Physical Function Study for Children with and without Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA)

Tracking Study of Physical Function, Gait and Quality of Life in Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis and Healthy Children 2024

Physical function study in JIA
IRB Approved flyer

What is involved?

  • This is a lab based comparative study that will compare the mechanics of gait and function, disease symptom burden and quality of life between with JIA and healthy controls. A combination of data obtained from electronic medical record (EMR) review and laboratory assessments will be pooled together over time. Function will be captured using a gait mat, walking and postural balance and newest video technology to capture several different movements. Repeated chair rise (30sec chair stand test) and stair climb and descent will be captured in the lab area using a handheld timer. JIA symptoms will be captured using a variety of surveys.
  • How do children feel about their physical and mental well being? We will use several different surveys to see differences in resilience to stresses in life.

Who can participate?

  • For children with JIA, patients with JIA according to International League of Associations for Rheumatology (ILAR) criteria
  • Aged 7 to 21 years who have lower extremity joint disease
  • Healthy control children aged 7-21 years can participate.

Questions may be emailed to hkvincent@ufl.edu to enroll or learn more!