OBJECTIVE: This study intended to examine the effects of Pilates exercise on pain, cardiorespiratory fitness, functional ability, and quality of life in children with polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis. METHODS: Forty children with polyarticular JIA aged 10 to 14 years old were randomly allocated into two groups: the control group (n = 20) received conventional physical therapy (CPT), and the experimental group (n = 20) received clinical Pilates exercises combined with CPT. Patients in both groups received their program three times/week for 3 months. Pain, cardiorespiratory fitness, functional ability, and quality of life were assessed through the visual analogue scale, cardiopulmonary exercise test, 6 min walk test, and PedsQL scale, respectively, just before and after treatment. RESULTS: Pain (p = 0.001), cardiorespiratory markers (all p < 0.05), functional ability (p = 0.002), and overall quality of life (p = 0.007) improved significantly in the experimental groups compared to the control group. CONCLUSION: Incorporating Pilates exercises into CPT is likely more effective for decreasing pain intensity, improving cardiorespiratory fitness, augmenting functional ability, and promoting quality of life in children with JIA than CPT alone.

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