# What activities can my child with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA) do? Canonical page: https://clinicsjo.com/en/faq/activities-for-children-with-juvenile-idiopathic-arthritis-jia Language: en Category: pediatrics Publisher: ClinicsJo Published: 2026-09-13T17:52:51.891Z Content updated: 2026-09-13T17:52:51.891Z Translation (ar): https://clinicsjo.com/ar/faq/activities-for-children-with-juvenile-idiopathic-arthritis-jia Children with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA) can participate in a wide range of activities, including physical and mental pursuits, aimed at maintaining joint mobility and reducing pain and swelling [\[1\]](). When a child's arthritis is well-controlled, they should be able to participate in all games and sports they enjoy. However, during periods of symptom flare-ups, it is advisable to focus on low-impact exercises that reduce stress on the joints, such as cycling or swimming [\[4\]](). ## The Importance of Physical Activity in JIA Maintaining an active lifestyle is crucial for children and young people living with a chronic condition like Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA). Regular physical activity helps improve endurance, overall fitness, and self-confidence, enabling children and youth to interact socially with friends and maintain a good level of independence [\[4\]](). Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis can affect a child's physical activity level in several ways; joints may be inflamed, painful, and swollen during a flare, which limits joint movement and reduces participation in physical activities. If muscles are not used due to pain, they may lose mass, leading to weakness and difficulty performing active tasks [\[4\]](). ## Recommended Types of Physical Activity When Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA) is under control, a child can participate in all the sports activities they enjoy. The types of physical activities a child can engage in include: - **Weight-bearing exercises:** Such as walking, which help strengthen bones and muscles [\[4\]](). - **Cardiovascular exercises:** These build fitness levels and may include joining sports clubs, jogging with friends, or completing online workouts [\[4\]](). - **Functional activities of daily living:** Such as writing, drawing, and coloring, which maintain endurance, strength, and social interaction [\[4\]](). - **Core stability exercises:** These strengthen the muscles around the back and abdomen, helping to support the joints of the back, arms, and legs. Activities like Pilates help improve posture [\[4\]](). During an arthritis flare, low-impact exercises like cycling or swimming are recommended as there is less stress on the joints. High-contact sports and high-impact sports that may increase pain and stress the affected joints should be avoided [\[4\]](). ## The Role of the Healthcare Team in Guiding Activities Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA) is typically managed by a team of healthcare providers [\[1\]](). A physical therapist or occupational therapist can design an individual exercise regimen for the child, focusing on areas affected by arthritis while maintaining muscles in other parts of the body [\[4\]](). The physical therapist or occupational therapist conducts a physical examination to determine appropriate exercises, assessing joint range of motion, muscle flexibility, muscle strength, and functional capacity such as writing. They then provide exercises tailored to meet the patient's physical needs [\[4\]](). ## Adaptation in the School Environment The healthcare team can communicate with physical education teachers or relevant faculty members at school to provide guidance on appropriate activities that the individual with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA) can participate in, or necessary adjustments. Communication with the school is important so that staff understand the discomfort or difficulties the young person may face, as well as the importance of pacing activity (avoiding periods of intense activity that lead to fatigue and lethargy). You may want to discuss additional assistance strategies, such as the student leaving classrooms early to allow extra time for walking between different classes or incorporating rest periods when walking long distances around the school [\[4\]](). For more information on the diagnosis and treatment of this disease, you can visit [Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA): Diagnosis and Treatment for Children (Arabic)](). ## Medical references - [Juvenile Arthritis]() - [Guide to physical activity and exercise in juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) | CUH]() General health education; not a substitute for individualized clinical assessment. Citation URL: https://clinicsjo.com/en/faq/activities-for-children-with-juvenile-idiopathic-arthritis-jia#answer