Promoting physical activity for people with haemophilia in the age of new treatments

Abstract

Haemophilia treatment has seen great advances in recent years with an accompanied reduced risk of physical activity (PA) related bleeds. Based on its known health benefits, people with haemophilia (PWH) are currently encouraged to regularly engage in PA. However, this may not always translate to increased levels of PA. In this narrative review we aim to provide a brief overview of what is currently understood regarding PA levels and influences for the three broad age groups of children and adolescents, adults and older adults. We also provide recommendations for members of the haemophilia team on important aspects related to promotion of PA in their clinical practice. We highlight that PA behaviour is multifactorial and that many PWH still have limited access to adequate care. Whilst some still face unique challenges to being more physically active, overall, the barriers and facilitators to activity are very similar to that of the general population.

Physical activity in Norwegian teenagers and young adults with haemophilia A compared to general population peers

“…Thus, we recommend haemophilia treaters to have extra focus on PA promotion for children and adolescents. This should include provision of individualised advice and support for PA, based on an up‐to‐date understanding of barriers and motivators for PA, including the unique challenges the person with haemophilia may face 41 . More information on the topic can be found elsewhere 41 …”

“…This should include provision of individualised advice and support for PA, based on an up-to-date understanding of barriers and motivators for PA, including the unique challenges the person with haemophilia may face. 41 More information on the topic can be found elsewhere. 41 Interestingly, we found that MVPA was similar between groups although proportions of PWH participating in 'sport' at least once per week and undertaking at least one to three exercise sessions per week were significantly higher than in the control group.…”

“…41 More information on the topic can be found elsewhere. 41 Interestingly, we found that MVPA was similar between groups although proportions of PWH participating in 'sport' at least once per week and undertaking at least one to three exercise sessions per week were significantly higher than in the control group. Our data cannot explain these findings, but we offer a couple of potential The current study also has some limitations.…”

Performance on the iSTEP and 10 m‐ISWT in boys with haemophilia

“…Excess weight in haemophilia has been reported to contribute to restrictions in range of movement and loss of joint mobility adding to the cumulative burden of the disease and impacting on function. 29 Time spent in MVPA was also a significant predictor; an increase of Promoting physical activity regardless of age and underlying disease is a WHO and haemophilia care priority as physical inactivity is a contributory risk for obesity and mortality, 27,28 with publications reporting sedentary behaviours comparable or reduced in comparison to their healthy peers. 16,17,25,26 Importantly, children with different severities of haemophilia performed differently on the 10 m-ISWT, indicating this is a discriminative clinical measure in this population (the difference between boys with inhibitors compared to mild/moderate group was significant).…”

“…Promoting physical activity regardless of age and underlying disease is a WHO and haemophilia care priority as physical inactivity is a contributory risk for obesity and mortality, 27,28 with publications reporting sedentary behaviours comparable or reduced in comparison to their healthy peers 16,17,25,26 …”