Sport as an Important Part of the Life of Hemophiliacs
People with congenital bleeding disorders have very diverse approaches to sports and exercise. The possibility of preventing bleeding by administering safe and effective medications for these patients clearly supports engagement in an active physical life.
Why and how to exercise?
Sport offers a number of benefits for bone, joint, and muscle health. It helps in the prevention of lifestyle diseases and also improves mental health. In the case of limitations such as bleeding disorders, the foundation is safe sport, supported by the attending physician.
The perspective on the risk of bleeding during sports activity can vary from the viewpoint of healthcare personnel, parents, or the hemophiliac himself. There are many recommendations regarding which sport is safe under what conditions and which carries a high risk of bleeding. This is nicely summarized, for example, in the English-written guide Playing It Safe.
For children, parents should support all activities that contribute to healthy body development. Parents of children with bleeding disorders should generally actively help the child find a sport in which they have at least some chance of success.
Surface bruises are normal at this age; if they are not painful and do not lead to limited movement, occasional bruises as a result of physical activity should be accepted. Especially in adolescents, it is appropriate to adjust sports activities with regard to the overall rate of bleeding, joint damage, and overall body structure.
Within any physical activity, it is necessary to keep in mind:
- stretching to improve flexibility;
- using strengthening tools and machines to improve strength;
- regular inclusion of aerobic activities to improve endurance.
What if bleeding occurs?
In the event of bleeding, it is necessary to immediately stop exercising and start treatment. During the first 12-48 hours after the occurrence of bleeding, the most important thing is administering the missing factor concentrates. In addition, the RICE system can be practiced – from the English Rest (rest), Ice (icing/cooling the bleeding area), Compression (wrapping the affected joint or limb), Elevation (elevating the affected limb).
After the bleeding subsides, it is also important to consult further physical activity with a doctor or physical therapist – i.e., when and under what circumstances to return to sport.
Conclusion
Sport is a very important part of life for many children and adults. At the same time, there is no doubt that “being physically fit” is a prevention of many complications of today's fast-paced, often sedentary lifestyle. Modern medicine helps make it possible for most patients with congenital bleeding disorders to find a suitable and safe sport they can engage in.
Ensuring safety is absolutely essential with open communication between the person with a bleeding disorder, their family, the treatment team in the hospital, and the sports coach. The role of physical therapists in finding suitable physical activity is practically crucial, and it is therefore more than appropriate to cooperate with them regularly.
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Source: Playing It Safe. Bleeding Disorders, Sports and Exercise. National Hemophilia Foundation for all bleeding and clotting disorders, 2005. Available at: www.hemophilia.ca/files/PlayingItSafe.pdf
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