A Retrospective Cohort Study of physical therapy rehabilitation in pediatric rheumatology patients with osteoarthritis
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.22814071Keywords:
juvenile idiopathic arthritis, secondary osteoarthritis, physical therapy, pediatric rehabilitation, hydrotherapyAbstract
Background: Secondary osteoarthritis is a recognized long-term consequence of juvenile idiopathic arthritis, arising from years of synovitis and altered joint loading in a growing skeleton, and its rehabilitation needs combine standard pediatric physical therapy goals with joint-protection priorities familiar from adult osteoarthritis care.
Objective: This retrospective cohort study describes physical therapy rehabilitation modalities and functional outcomes in pediatric rheumatology patients with osteoarthritis secondary to chronic inflammatory arthropathy.
Methods: We reviewed physical therapy and rheumatology records for patients aged 6-17 years completing at least 12 weeks of structured rehabilitation combining land-based exercise, hydrotherapy, and home programs, with outcomes assessed by goniometry, strength testing, the Childhood Health Assessment Questionnaire, and pain scores.
Findings: Patients showed gains in range of motion, strength, and functional disability at completion, largest among those beginning rehabilitation earlier, maintaining higher adherence, and receiving combined hydrotherapy and land-based programs; knee-involved patients improved most consistently, hip-involved patients least, and better disease control was associated with larger response.
Conclusions: Structured, adherence-supported physical therapy produces meaningful functional and pain benefit in pediatric secondary osteoarthritis, supporting earlier structural screening and closer integration of disease control with therapy referral.
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