ABSTRACT
Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is the most common rheumatic disease in children and due to its enigmatic nature it is very difficult to treat (Weiss and Ilowite, 2007). JIA is also the most common cause of chronic pain in adolescents (Schanberg and Sandstrom, 1999). Participating in regular physical activity is necessary for children and adolescents to grow properly and attain optimal musculoskeletal health (Mackelvie et al., 2003). Establishing physical activity patterns and proper musculoskeletal health at an early age may set the foundation for adult health, helping to prevent numerous chronic diseases. JIA patients are known to be less physically active during the growing years, compromising their musculoskeletal health (Giannini and Protas, 1993). Through a mechanism labeled exercise induced hypoalgesia, resistance training in healthy populations decreases sensitivity to pain for a short period after exercise training (Cote and Hoeger-Bement, 2010). However, it is yet to be understood whether similar benefits would be achieved in children with JIA.
