Research and News
Thera-Band® exercises safe and effective for patients with hemophilia and bleeding disorders
Bleeding disorders such as hemophilia may cause bleeding in the joints, known as ‘hemarthrosis.’ This may lead to arthritis and subsequent joint replacement surgery. Exercise is an important component in managing hemarthrosis; however, many patients are hesitant to exercise for fear of injury and resulting bleeding. Few studies have examined the effectiveness of exercise in hemophilia patients.
Previously, German researchers created a strength and proprioceptive training program using Thera-Band elastic resistance and Stability Trainers. The results, published in 2003 noted improvements in strength and proprioception. The authors felt that a balance training component was important to prevent fall-related injuries in persons with hemophilia.
More recently, researchers at the University of Tennessee Health Sciences Center created an individualized 6-week program using Thera-Band resistance in 33 patients with bleeding disorders. They used 3 levels of progression based the participant’s strength. Download the Thera-Band exercise protocol here. The patients then used a specific color of Thera-Band resistance corresponding to the prescribed intensity (% of an isometric manual muscle test). Subjects also performed stretching and cardiovascular exercise. A physical therapist supervised the program 2 days a week. At the end of the 6-week program, there were no injuries, pain, edema, or bleeding episodes reported. The patients significantly improved their range of motion, strength, and cardiovascular status without causing additional hemarthrosis.
This individualized exercise program using Thera-Band resistance in hemophilia was safe and effective; however, the study was limited by a small sample size and presence of additional health conditions among subjects. As reported by Heilberg et al (2003) the addition of a proprioceptive training component to Thera-Band strengthening may provide additional benefits, though more research is needed.
Reference: Mulvany R et al. Effects of a 6-week, individualized, supervised exercise program for people with bleeding disorders and hemophilic arthritis.Phys Ther. 2010 Apr;90(4):509-26.
Visit the Thera-Band Academy Hemophilia Resource Center here
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| Print article | This entry was posted by Dr. Phil Page on June 29, 2010 at 3:53 am, and is filed under Research Updates, Thera-Band Elastic Resistance, Uncategorized. Follow any responses to this post through RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback from your own site. |
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