Association Between Juvenile Arthritis and Physical Activity Levels in U.S. Children: A Cross-Sectional Study Using the 2016–2021 National Survey of Children’s Health

Poster Presenter: Carolina Yone Tamashiro, MD, Pediatric Rheumatology Fellow, University of California, San Francisco

Poster Title: Association Between Juvenile Arthritis and Physical Activity Levels in U.S. Children: A Cross-Sectional Study Using the 2016–2021 National Survey of Children’s Health

Poster Session A: 10:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. on Sunday, October 26

What is your poster about?

“My poster examines the association between juvenile arthritis (JA) and physical activity levels among U.S. children, using data from the 2016–2021 National Survey of Children’s Health. It’s one of the first large-scale, nationally representative studies in the U.S. to look at how children with JA compare to their peers in meeting physical activity recommendations.”

Why did you decide to investigate this topic?

“Children with JA face unique challenges, including pain and limited mobility, which may reduce participation in physical activity. I was especially motivated to study this topic because I personally love sports and physical activity, and I’ve seen how powerful movement can be in shaping both health and quality of life. The fact that there has been very little research on this topic in the U.S. makes me even more interested in understanding the barriers children with JA face and exploring ways to help them stay active.”

What are you working on next related to this research?

“I plan to explore factors that influence physical activity among children with arthritis, such as socioeconomic status, access to safe recreational spaces, and neighborhood environment. Looking ahead, I plan to continue researching physical activity in children with chronic rheumatologic conditions and, ultimately, to develop interventions, together with families and clinicians, that support safe and enjoyable activity in this population.”

What excites you most about your work?

“I’m excited that this is one of the first studies in the U.S. to look at physical activity in children with JA using nationally representative data. It feels meaningful to be contributing new insights where there’s been very little research. What excites me even more is the potential to translate these findings into patient-centered interventions that can improve their quality of life.”

What are you most looking forward to at ACR Convergence 2025 in Chicago?

“I’m really excited to present my research at such an amazing conference and get feedback to help refine my next steps. ACR brings together leaders and experts in rheumatology from around the world, providing an incredible opportunity to stay up to date with the latest groundbreaking science, connect with colleagues, and experience the energy, innovation, and excitement in a way that makes this conference so special.”