Sports participation and sports injuries in Dutch boys with haemophilia

Abstract

Introduction Sports participation in children with hemophilia is generally considered to be associated with increased injury risk, which is generally considered highest in severe hemophilia. Aim To assess sports participation according to age and severity in children with hemophilia and its association with sports injuries. Methods In a retrospective single‐center study, sports participation, injuries, and bleeding data from three consecutive annual clinic visits were collected for young patients with hemophilia (PWH, aged 6‐18). Sports in categories 2.5 and 3 of 3 according to the National Hemophilia Foundation classification were considered high‐risk. Groups were compared using chi‐square testing. Results 105 PWH (median age: 13(IQR 10‐14); 53% severe; bleeding rate: 1/y) were identified; three were unable to perform sports and were excluded. The majority of PWH (77%) played sports weekly, of which 80% high‐risk sports. Sports participation (median 3.0x/wk), and the proportion of injured PWH was similar in severe (42%) and non‐severe (33%) PWH. Sports injuries were rare (65% no injuries in 3 years, median 0/y (IQR 0‐1)). Annually, PWH did not report more injuries (15%) than age‐matched boys (28%). Sports injuries were not associated with frequency and type of sports. Discussion This retrospective study showed high sports participation (including high‐risk sports) and low injury rates. Sports participation was similar across severities and injury rates were not higher than among the general population. Injuries were not associated with frequency or type of sports. A prospective study with objective assessment of sports participation and injuries is warranted to confirm these findings and avoid recall bias.

Similar sports participation as the general population in Dutch persons with haemophilia; results from a nationwide study

“…As in the current study, this study reported high sports participation with 90.5% playing sports (2x/wk; 4.9 h/wk), without comparison with the GP 38 . A retrospective study in Dutch boys with haemophilia (n = 102; age: 6–18) reported similar sports participation to the GP in (77%; 3x/wk) 13 . As in this study, the MAQ was used in studies with Dutch and Australian boys with haemophilia.…”

“…Most studies on sports participation in PWH have reported on children, 10 , 11 , 12 , 13 data of adult PWH are limited. 14 The majority of these studies have reported on the proportion of PWH engaged in sports and type of sports, 15 without considering self‐reported limitations in activities.…”

Sports participation of patients with haemophilia in the COVID‐19 era: The Dutch experience

“…In recent years, sports participation in Dutch patients with haemophilia (PWH) has been comparable to the general population (GP), especially in children. 3,4 The recent COVID-19 pandemic has forced governments worldwide to take drastic actions. Although Dutch society has not been in complete lockdown, sports facilities were closed, (outdoor) gatherings of more than three persons were forbidden and social distancing of 1.5 m was mandatory.…”

Comprehensive care on paper only? The challenge for physiotherapy provision in day to day haemophilia practice

“…With global inequity of access to such care, we are now witnessing children with haemophilia having minimal or no joint damage participating in normal sporting activities similar to their peers, 3 with others in developing countries only beginning to see the benefits of basic physiotherapy interventions on joint health and well-being. 4 The latter example with a younger population with limited access to treatment contrasts further against the emerging clinical issue of an ageing population of men with haemophilia, who are living longer with significant multi-morbidity and significant physical impairment secondary to haemophilic arthropathy.…”