A nurse is planning care for a 16-year-old with juvenile idiopathic arthritis. Which physical therapy activity is most appropriate to strengthen and mobilize the joints?

A nurse is planning care for a 16-year-old with juvenile idiopathic arthritis. Which physical therapy activity is most appropriate to strengthen and mobilize the joints?

• A. Exercise in a swimming pool.
• B. Splint affected joints during activity.
• C. Perform passive range of motion exercises twice daily.
• D. Begin a training program lifting weights and running.

Answer: (A)

Balancing joint mobility and muscle strength with safe, low‑impact activity is what this item focuses on. For juvenile idiopathic arthritis, the goal is to keep joints moving and strengthen the muscles that support them without triggering pain or flare-ups. Exercising in a swimming pool uses buoyancy to reduce the load on weight‑bearing joints, allowing more comfortable movement and a full range of motion. The warm water helps loosen stiff joints, and the water’s resistance provides a gentle way to build muscle and endurance around the joints. This setting supports mobilization and strengthening in a safer, low‑impact environment. Immobility from splinting during activity limits movement and doesn’t promote strengthening. Passive range‑of‑motion exercises maintain movement but don’t actively build strength. A program of lifting weights and running is typically too high‑impact for a teen with active arthritis and can irritate joints, whereas pool exercise offers a safer, effective approach to both strengthen and mobilize.

Balancing joint mobility and muscle strength with safe, low‑impact activity is what this item focuses on. For juvenile idiopathic arthritis, the goal is to keep joints moving and strengthen the muscles that support them without triggering pain or flare-ups. Exercising in a swimming pool uses buoyancy to reduce the load on weight‑bearing joints, allowing more comfortable movement and a full range of motion. The warm water helps loosen stiff joints, and the water’s resistance provides a gentle way to build muscle and endurance around the joints. This setting supports mobilization and strengthening in a safer, low‑impact environment. Immobility from splinting during activity limits movement and doesn’t promote strengthening. Passive range‑of‑motion exercises maintain movement but don’t actively build strength. A program of lifting weights and running is typically too high‑impact for a teen with active arthritis and can irritate joints, whereas pool exercise offers a safer, effective approach to both strengthen and mobilize.