What kind of physical activities should a child with arthritis do?

• A. High-impact activities such as running
• B. Weightlifting
• C. Contact sports
• D. Low impact weight bearing and non weight bearing like swimming, yoga, stationary bike

Answer: (D)

When a child has arthritis, the goal of physical activity is to keep joints flexible, strengthen surrounding muscles, and maintain cardiovascular fitness while protecting joints from excessive stress. Low-impact activities, whether weight-bearing at a gentle level or non-weight-bearing, achieve this balance by letting movement occur with less force on the joints.

Swimming is especially good because the water provides buoyancy, reducing joint load while still promoting a full range of motion and endurance. A stationary bike offers controlled, smooth motion that strengthens leg muscles without pounding the joints. Yoga can improve flexibility, balance, and strength with modifications to protect inflamed joints.

In contrast, high-impact activities like running, heavy weightlifting, or contact sports can aggravate joints and potentially trigger flare-ups or injuries, making them less suitable when arthritis is active. So the best approach is low-impact weight-bearing and non-weight-bearing activities such as swimming, yoga, and a stationary bike.