YOGA FOR CHILDREN WITH JUVENILE IDIOPATHIC ARTHRITIS

NCT07661069 | Not Yet Recruiting

• 1 other identifier: 2025YG
• Study Type: interventional
• Target: 32
• Locations: 0 countries
• Sites: N/A

Brief Summary

Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA) is a chronic autoimmune condition starting before age 16, often leading to fatigue, joint stiffness, and decreased physical activity. While exercise is widely recommended to improve functional capacity in children with JIA, the effectiveness of specialized mind-body exercises like yoga is still being explored. This study aims to investigate the impact of an 8-week, telerehabilitation-based yoga program on children with JIA. Participants will engage in 45-minute individual yoga sessions twice a week via Zoom, led by certified physiotherapists. The sessions will progress in difficulty and focus on breathing techniques, physical postures, and meditation to improve the overall physical and mental well-being of the children.

Conditions

Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA)

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (3)

• Functional Reach Test (FRT)

  This test evaluates dynamic balance and limits of stability. Participants stand barefoot or with flat-molded shoes parallel to a wall, with the shoulder flexed at 90 degrees and the arm extended forward to establish a baseline. For the forward reach, participants reach as far forward as possible without taking a step. The distance between the initial and final positions is measured in centimeters (cm). The test is repeated three times, and the average score is recorded. Higher scores indicate better dynamic balance and stability.

  Baseline (Week 0) and Post-intervention (Week 8)

• 1-Minute Sit-to-Stand Test (1STST)

  This test assesses lower extremity muscle endurance and functional capacity. Participants sit on a standard-height chair with their arms crossed over their chest. Upon the "start" command, they perform as many full sit-to-stand repetitions as possible within 1 minute. The number of correctly completed repetitions is recorded. Higher repetition counts indicate superior lower extremity muscular endurance.

  Baseline (Week 0) and Post-intervention (Week 8)

• Lateral reach test

  This test evaluates dynamic balance. The patricipants leaning against the wall with the shoulder flexed at 90 degrees and the arm extended forward to establish a baseline. For the test, they reach as far sideways as possible without trunk rotation. The distance between the initial and final positions is measured in centimeters (cm). The test is repeated three times, and the average score is recorded. Higher scores indicate better dynamic balance and stability.

  Baseline (Week 0) and Post-intervention (Week 8)

Secondary Outcomes (5)

• Biering-Sorensen Test for Trunk Extensor Endurance

  Baseline (Week 0) and Post-intervention (Week 8)

• Sit-and-Reach Test

  Baseline (Week 0) and Post-intervention (Week 8)

• Curl-Up Test for Abdominal Endurance

  Baseline (Week 0) and Post-intervention (Week 8)

• Push-Up Test for Upper Body Endurance

  Baseline (Week 0) and Post-intervention (Week 8)

• Physical Activity Questionnaire for Children (PAQ-C) Score

  Baseline (Week 0) and Post-intervention (Week 8)

Study Arms (2)

Telerehabilitation-Based Yoga Group

EXPERIMENTAL

Participants will be allocated to this group using block randomization based on age and body mass index (BMI). This group will participate in a telerehabilitation-based yoga program for 8 weeks, 2 days per week, with each session lasting 45 minutes. The sessions will be conducted one-on-one, in real-time, via the Zoom platform, led by certified physiotherapists. The structured program includes diaphragmatic breathing techniques, progressive pediatric-focused yoga postures (asanas), and relaxation/meditation phases.

Behavioral: Telerehabilitation-Based Yoga Group

Home-Based Exercise Control Group

ACTIVE COMPARATOR

Participants will be allocated to this group using block randomization based on age and body mass index (BMI). This control group will follow a standard, home-based physical exercise program. The exercises will be performed independently at home by the children, with family supervision, during the 8-week study period.

Behavioral: Standard Home-Based Physical Exercise Program

Interventions

Telerehabilitation-Based Yoga Group BEHAVIORAL

An 8-week, home-based virtual yoga program designed specifically for pediatric populations with chronic conditions. Sessions are conducted 2 days per week for 45 minutes each. The intervention is delivered live, face-to-face, and one-on-one via the Zoom platform by two physiotherapists certified in "Yoga for Children." Each session follows a standardized sequence: 1. Breathing Phase: Starting with diaphragmatic breathing. 2. Active Phase: Progression of 17 distinct pediatric yoga poses (e.g., Mountain, Tree, Warrior, Butterfly, Cat-Cow, and Plank). Each pose is held for 2-3 breaths initially, progressing up to 10 breaths as tolerated. 3. Meditation Phase: Concluding with guided relaxation and meditation. Difficulty and repetitions are adapted weekly based on the individual child's physical capacity and comfort.

Telerehabilitation-Based Yoga Group

Standard Home-Based Physical Exercise Program BEHAVIORAL

An 8-week structured home exercise program consisting of standard physical therapy exercises conventionally recommended for children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis. The protocol includes gentle stretching to maintain joint range of motion, low-impact strengthening exercises for major muscle groups, and basic posture/balance training. Participants perform these exercises independently at home, under parental supervision, to match the 8-week timeline of the intervention group.

Home-Based Exercise Control Group

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 8 Years - 12 Years
• Sex: all
• Healthy Volunteers: No
• Age Groups: Child (0-17)

You may qualify if:

• Being between 8 and 12 years of age.
• Diagnosed with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA) by a pediatric rheumatologist.
• Having no major changes in pharmacological treatment within the last 3 months.
• Having reliable internet access and the necessary technological equipment to participate in online video sessions.
• Voluntary participation in the study.
• Providing written parental informed consent and child assent.

You may not qualify if:

• Being in an acute disease flare-up/attack period.
• Having undergone orthopedic surgery within the last 6 months.
• Presence of severe cardiopulmonary or neurological conditions that contraindicate participating in yoga exercises.
• Cognitive level or impairment that prevents the child from following instructions and verbal cues.
• Regular participation in another structured exercise or physical rehabilitation program.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Akdeniz University: lead

MeSH Terms

Conditions

Arthritis, Juvenile

Condition Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Arthritis; Joint Diseases; Musculoskeletal Diseases; Rheumatic Diseases; Connective Tissue Diseases; Skin and Connective Tissue Diseases; Autoimmune Diseases; Immune System Diseases

Study Design

• Study Type: interventional
• Phase: not applicable
• Allocation: RANDOMIZED
• Masking: SINGLE
• Who Masked: PARTICIPANT
• Purpose: TREATMENT
• Intervention Model: PARALLEL
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
• PI Title: Assoc. Prof. Dr.

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: June 10, 2026
• First Posted: June 22, 2026
• Study Start: July 15, 2026
• Primary Completion (Estimated): September 15, 2026
• Study Completion (Estimated): October 15, 2026
• Last Updated: June 22, 2026

Record last verified: 2026-06