Efficacy of aqua‐based plyometric exercises in the rehabilitation of patients with juvenile dermatomyositis: A randomized crossover pilot study

Background Patients with juvenile dermatomyositis (JDM) experience muscle weakness, tiredness, and loss of energy, which restrict their abilities in performance of their daily living activities. Objective To explore the effect of aquatic‐based plyometric (Aqua‐PLYO) exercises on muscle strength, fatigue, and functional ability in patients with JDM. Methods This was a randomized, single‐blind, crossover pilot study that included 16 patients with JDM (age 13.44 ± 2.85 years). They were assigned randomly to receive either the Aqua‐PLYO exercises (n = 8) or the standard outpatient care (SoC ; n = 8) first. After a 1‐month washout, the treatment was reversed. Lower limb muscle strength, fatigue perception, functional ability, and disease activity were evaluated before and after each treatment period. Results Irrespective of the treatment order, the Aqua‐PLYO treatment yielded greater improvement in muscle strength (hip flexors and abductors [P