Balance evaluation in haemophilic preadolescent patients using Nintendo Wii Balance Board^®

Abstract

Tests performed indicate a poorer static postural balance in the haemophilic cohort compared to the control group. Accordingly, physiotherapy programmes, physical activity and sports should be designed to improve the postural balance with the aim of preventing joint deterioration and improving quality of life.

Sensory strategies of postural sway during quiet stance in patients with haemophilic arthropathy

“…This compensatory strategy was not found in haemophiliacs. Furthermore, the results of the current study support previous reports on static balance in adult and paediatric haemophilia patients, who present poorer motor control than non‐haemophilia subjects …”

“…Regarding the applied methodology, accelerometers are a cheap, useful and easily portable alternative for postural control assessments in clinical practice, especially for undeveloped and developing countries. Indeed, the ACoM may be a low‐cost alternative to force platform measurements for assessing static postural control in clinical and research contexts, such as already demonstrated by the Nintendo Wii Balance Board ® …”

“…Despite existing tools and a relevant need, only some aspects of static postural control are known for adult and paediatric haemophilia patients, as compared with healthy people . Currently, only one case report proposes that haemophilic arthropathy may affect performance during sensorimotor stability tasks and subsequent learning; however, more studies are needed to corroborate this assumption.…”

Effects of performing dual tasks on postural sway and postural control complexity in people with haemophilic arthropathy

“…In people with haemophilic arthropathy (PWHA), joint destruction is accompanied by changes in the musculoskeletal system such as loss of muscle force, decreased range of motion and proprioception (ie sense of joint position). 1,2 These changes negatively impact postural control in children and adults with PWHA, 3,4 resulting in an increased risk of functional deterioration and suffering new or recurrent injuries.…”

“…. The mean (std; [minimum-maximum]) total HJHS score for PWHA was 31.40(13.31; [6-55]) points, with a mean of 6.87 (4.09; [0-12]) determined for the knee and 6.13 (3.42;[2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12]) for the ankle. Only two PWHA presented an HJHS of 0 points in the knee, while all patients showed ankle arthropathy (HJHS > 0).…”