Vertical drop jump biomechanics in youth with juvenile idiopathic arthritis

This study examined differences in hip, knee and ankle joint kinematics of a vertical drop jump (VDJ) task between youth with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA) and their age and sex matched typically developing (TD) peers. Youth with JIA performed the VDJ with significantly less knee flexion, reduced ankle plantar flexion, as well as shorter vertical jump duration. These findings indicate biomechanical differences that may relate to an underlying hesitation to perform high impact tasks and limitations regarding maximal jump ability.