Study Summary

Five randomized trials including 310 patients were included in this systematic review and meta-analysis assessing the efficacy of hydrotherapy for patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis. The primary outcomes of interest included pain, function, knee extensor torque, the 6 minute walk test, and VO2max performance. Meta-analysis results revealed significantly greater VO2 max performance, and less pain, in the hydrotherapy group compared to the control group (which typically received the standard of care physiotherapy). No differences in pain, knee extensor torque, or 6-minute walk test were observed. These findings indicate the possible clinical utility of aquatic training for this patient population, although high quality randomized trials are required to confirm this clinical benefit and identify optimal treatment protocols.