For a school-age child with oligoarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis, which exercise is recommended to reduce symptoms?

For a school-age child with oligoarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis, which exercise is recommended to reduce symptoms?

• A. Running
• B. Weights
• C. Swimming
• D. Yoga

Answer: (C)

Managing arthritis in kids centers on keeping joints moving, maintaining range of motion, and building supportive muscles without placing excessive stress on tender joints. In oligoarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis, only a few joints are affected—often large joints like the knees or ankles. Swimming fits this scenario perfectly because the water supports the body, reducing weight-bearing load while still allowing you to move through a full range of motion. The water also provides gentle resistance, which helps build muscle strength and endurance without jamming painful joints. This combination tends to lessen morning stiffness and improve overall function, making swimming the most effective option for reducing symptoms. Running is high impact and can aggravate joints already dealing with arthritis. Lifting weights can be beneficial for strength but requires careful technique and supervision to avoid placing excessive load on sensitive joints. Yoga can improve flexibility and core stability, but it may not provide the same cardio and joint-strength benefits as swimming, and some positions could be uncomfortable if joints ache.

Managing arthritis in kids centers on keeping joints moving, maintaining range of motion, and building supportive muscles without placing excessive stress on tender joints. In oligoarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis, only a few joints are affected—often large joints like the knees or ankles. Swimming fits this scenario perfectly because the water supports the body, reducing weight-bearing load while still allowing you to move through a full range of motion. The water also provides gentle resistance, which helps build muscle strength and endurance without jamming painful joints. This combination tends to lessen morning stiffness and improve overall function, making swimming the most effective option for reducing symptoms.

Running is high impact and can aggravate joints already dealing with arthritis. Lifting weights can be beneficial for strength but requires careful technique and supervision to avoid placing excessive load on sensitive joints. Yoga can improve flexibility and core stability, but it may not provide the same cardio and joint-strength benefits as swimming, and some positions could be uncomfortable if joints ache.