Abstract
BackgroundThe reporting quality of physical activity (PA) programs in randomized controlled trials (RCTs) for the management of juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) remains unknown. This study aimed to assess and compare the reporting quality of PA programs in RCTs for the management of JIA using three difference standardized assessment tools, and to describe the elements that were similar and different between these tools.MethodsA systematic search was conducted for moderate-to high-quality RCTs of PA programs in JIA, published up until January 2019. Two reviewers independently included 10 RCTs and scored the reporting quality of PA programs using the following tools: Consensus on Exercise Reporting Template (CERT) checklist, Consensus on Therapeutic Exercise Training (CONTENT) scale, and Template for Intervention Description and Replication (TIDieR) checklist.ResultsResults showed that reporting of PA programs in 10 moderate- to high-quality RCTs for JIA management remains incomplete. The average reporting quality (± standard deviation) for all RCTs combined was moderate for the three standardized assessment tools with 70.8 (±14.3)% for the TIDieR checklist, 53.2 (±20.2)% for the CERT checklist, and 70.0 (±18.9)% for the CONTENT scale. Despite some overlap, the three standardized assessment tools (TIDieR, CERT, CONTENT) included different elements resulting in different scores. All tools assess elements linked to PA programs (provider, location, timing, personalization and adherence), but the CERT checklist includes other essential elements (e.g., additional resources, motivational strategies, adverse events).ConclusionsThe lack of complete reporting of PA programs in RCTs for the management of JIA and the variation in scores and assessed elements among standardized assessment tools show the need to improve reporting. Using the most comprehensive standardized tool (i.e., the CERT) and providing accessible supplemental information on PA programs may improve the reporting quality of PA programs in RCTs and help reproduce PA programs in research and clinical practice.
Highlights
The reporting quality of physical activity (PA) programs in randomized controlled trials (RCTs) for the management of juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) remains unknown
Standardized assessment tools’ scores for all RCTs combined The average reporting quality for all RCTs combined was moderate for the three standardized assessment tools
Our findings of moderate reporting quality of PA programs in RCTs for JIA management are consistent with a study on knee osteoarthritis management when using the Consensus on Exercise Reporting Template (CERT) checklist and the American College of Sports Medicine guideline [34]
Summary
The reporting quality of physical activity (PA) programs in randomized controlled trials (RCTs) for the management of juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) remains unknown. Practitioners diagnose JIA after symptoms are experienced in one or more joints for at least six consecutive weeks in youth under age 16 [4] Such symptoms produce additional health and social difficulties: youth with JIA are less physically active than other kids, may miss school because of symptoms or appointments with health care providers, and may feel different from their peers when they cannot participate in physical education or play [3]. Children with JIA are developing their physical skills alongside their self-esteem and self-efficacy, which are crucial for their future [5, 7, 8] It is important for youth with JIA to learn how to self-manage their disease, which means that they should gain the knowledge and the ability to manage their symptoms, such as pain, and the consequences of their chronic condition on their life [7, 9]. In addition to pharmacological therapies and regimented exercises, treatment recommendations for JIA include recreational and physical activities (PA) within the child’s pain threshold for disease self-management [5]
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