ActiMON - Activity monitoring in adolescents and young adults with inflammatory rheumatic musculoskeletal diseases

As part of the BMBF-funded TARISMA research network, the ActiMON subproject recorded the movement behavior of adolescents with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) and collagenoses (juvenile dermatomyositis, jDM; systemic lupus erythematosus, jSLE).

Duration

2020-2024

Head of project

florian.milatz@drfz.de

Objectives

Participants were recruited at seven pediatric rheumatology centers in Germany over a two-year period with three main objectives:

to generate reliable information on physical activity and sedentary behavior in adolescents and young adults with various rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases
to identify risk groups for a physically inactive lifestyle
to uncover barriers to physical activity and derive measures to counteract the development of comorbidities and negative consequences later in life

Methodology

Wearing an acceleration sensor on the right hip for eight consecutive days.

Completing questionnaires on physical and sporting activity, quality of life, mental health, and family and environmental aspects.

Comparison of movement-related data with that of adolescents of the same gender and age from the general population (Motor Skills Module Study)

Selected results

Based on data from 126 patients with JIA (average age 15 years, 67% female), 24% achieved the minimum level of 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity per day recommended by the WHO. Among control subjects of the same gender and age from the general population, 8% achieved the recommended level of physical activity.

Relative to the total carrying time, patients spent significantly more time sitting than their peers in the general population (86% vs. 78%). On average, there were no differences in sitting behavior between weekdays and weekends in either the patient or control group.

Patients who spent less time sitting and/or fulfilled the exercise recommendations reported stronger family support in engaging in physical activities. The temporal composition of exercise behavior was also associated with health-related quality of life and enjoyment of exercise.

Project film for participants (in German)

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