Efficacy of Isokinetic Strength Training on Functional Performance in Children with Hemophilia

Abstract

Maged A. Alharthi, Mohamed B. Ibrahim, Osama A. El-Agamy, Sara Y. Elsebahy*

Background: Recurrent hemarthroses, especially in weight-bearing joints, cause childhood haemophiliacs to frequently endure muscle weakening, joint instability, and functional impairments. Strength training with a specific focus could help lessen these deficiencies. The effectiveness of an isokinetic strength training program on children with hemophilia's muscle strength, joint health, pain, and functional independence was examined in this study utilizing the Biodex Isokinetic Dynamometer.

Goal: To assess how isokinetic strength training affects children with hemophilia's functional performance, joint health, pain levels, and quadriceps and hamstring strength.

Methods: Thirty children, ages eight to twelve, with moderate to severe hemophilia A or B, participated in a randomized controlled experiment. A control group (design physical therapy programme) and an intervention group (isokinetic training plus design physical therapy programme) were created from the participants. For eight weeks, the intervention group received three sessions per week of supervised isokinetic training on the Biodex dynamometer. Among the outcome measures were: Biodex measures muscle strength (peak torque at 60°/s and 120°/s). The Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) is used to measure the intensity of pain. The Functional Independence Score in Hemophilia (FISH) evaluates functional competence. The Haemophilia Joint Health Score (HJHS) is used to measure joint health. Both before and after the intervention, assessments were carried out.

Results: When compared to the control group, the isokinetic training group demonstrated statistically significant gains in muscle strength (p < 0.01), decreased VAS pain scores (p < 0.05), improved functional independence on FISH (p < 0.01), and improved joint health scores on the HJHS (p < 0.05).

Conclusion: It could be concluded that children with hemophilia can benefit from isokinetic strength training with the Biodex system, which is a safe and efficient way to increase muscular strength, lessen pain, strengthen joints, and encourage functional independence. There may be significant clinical advantages to integrating systematic isokinetic training into standard rehabilitation. Keywords: Hemophilia, Isokinetic training, Biodex dynamomete