Abstract
BackgroundExercise has been suggested to prevent deterioration of health-related quality of life (HRQL) and overall health in pediatric rheumatologic diseases during the COVID-19 pandemic. Herein we describe the effects of a 12-week, home-based, exercise program on overall health and quality of life among quarantined patients with juvenile dermatomyositis (JDM).MethodThis prospective, quasi-experimental, mixed methods (qualitative and quantitative) study was conducted between July and December 2020, during the most restricted period of COVID-19 pandemic in Brazil. The home-based exercise program consisted of a 12-week, three-times-a-week, aerobic and strengthening (bodyweight) training program. Qualitative data were systematically evaluated. Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ), Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQOL) and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) evaluate symptoms of mental health disorder, HRQL, and quality of sleep.Findings11 patients (out of 27) met the inclusion criteria (91% female; mean ± SD age: 13.5 ± 3.2 years). Adherence to the intervention was 72.6%. Barriers to exercise involved poor internet connectivity, excessive weekly sessions, and other commitments. Even though not statistically significant, Self-report SDQ subscales Total Difficulties Score, Emotional Problems Score, and PedsQOL School Functioning Score improved after intervention (− 2.4; 95%confidence interval [CI] -5.1; 0.2, p = 0.06; − 1.0; 95%CI -2.2; 0.2, p = 0.09 and; 11.7; 95%CI -2.5; 25.8, p = 0.09, respectively). Remaining SDQ subscales were not altered. Six themes emerged from patients’ and parents’ comments (qualitative results). Patients engaged in exercise reported other health-related benefits including increased motivation, concentration and strength.InterpretationA home-based exercise program was associated with qualitative perceptions of improvements in overall health and HRQL by quarantined adolescents with JDM during COVID-19 pandemic. Lessons from this trial may help developing interventions focused on tackling physical inactivity in JDM.
Highlights
Quarantine and social distance measures to mitigate coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic have affected the physical and psychological well-being of children and adolescents [1]
Two recent surveys involving children and adolescents from Brazil demonstrated that school closures and home confinement due to the COVID-19 pandemic were responsible for reduction in daily physical activity, which directly impacts physical and mental health [2]
In the beginning of the pandemic, physicians believed that the scenario could be even worse for adolescents with rheumatic diseases as they may be at higher risk for developing severe COVID-19, physicians believed in that period that these patients needed more restrictive measures of social distancing
Summary
Quarantine and social distance measures to mitigate coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic have affected the physical and psychological well-being of children and adolescents [1]. In the beginning of the pandemic, physicians believed that the scenario could be even worse for adolescents with rheumatic diseases as they may be at higher risk for developing severe COVID-19, physicians believed in that period that these patients needed more restrictive measures of social distancing. In thesis, this scenario could aggravate depression and anxiety symptoms and poor physical function and quality of life, which are common features among youth with pediatric rheumatologic diseases [3, 4]. We describe the effects of a 12-week, home-based, exercise program on overall health and quality of life among quarantined patients with juvenile dermatomyositis (JDM)
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
