Assessing walking function in children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis

Investigation of Validity and Reliability of Dynamic Walking Index in Childhood Rheumatic Diseases

Observational Istanbul University - Cerrahpasa · NCT06870045

This study is testing a walking assessment tool to see how well it can identify walking problems in children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment52 (estimated)
Ages8 Years to 16 Years
SexAll
SponsorIstanbul University - Cerrahpasa Academic / other
Locations1 site (Istanbul, Turkey)
Trial IDNCT06870045 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study evaluates the Dynamic Gait Index (DGI) as a functional assessment tool for walking in children diagnosed with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). The DGI measures various aspects of walking, including speed changes, head turns, and obstacle navigation, to identify gait disorders that may arise from JIA. The study includes children aged 8-16 with unilateral knee involvement and compares their results to a control group without any neurological or orthopedic conditions. By establishing the DGI's effectiveness in this population, the study aims to enhance the understanding of walking difficulties in children with JIA.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are children aged 8-16 with a diagnosis of juvenile idiopathic arthritis and unilateral knee joint involvement.

Not a fit: Patients with additional neurological or orthopedic diagnoses that affect walking may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved assessment and management of walking difficulties in children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis.

How similar studies have performed: While the Dynamic Gait Index is widely used in other populations, its application in children with JIA is novel and has not been previously tested.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Study Group;
* Having a JIA diagnosis according to ILAR criteria between the ages of 8-16,
* Having unilateral knee joint involvement that will affect walking
* Being compatible, volunteer and cooperative in the study Control Group;

  1. Not having any neurological or orthopedic diagnosis
  2. Being between the ages of 8-16
  3. Being at a mental level that can understand the commands of the person performing the evaluation

Exclusion Criteria:

* Study Group;
* Having an additional neurological or orthopedic diagnosis accompanying JIA and affecting treatment results,
* Having lower extremity asymmetry or active lower extremity involvement other than the knee joint that will affect walking.

Control Group;

-Having any health problem that may affect the study

Where this trial is running

Istanbul, Turkey

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Juvenile Idiopathic ArthritisChildhood Rheumatic Diseasejuvenile idiopathic arthritisgaitdynamic gait indexchildhood rheumatic diseases
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.