How trends in sports evolve among hemophiliacs and to what extent they are limited by their disease
Historically, physical activity was generally not recommended for hemophiliacs; however, with evolving treatment options and prophylaxis as the gold standard of care for these patients, sports have become part of their lives in recent years. The Netherlands, traditionally supportive of sports, including for patients with chronic illnesses, presented the results of a survey on hemophilia and sports in a poster presentation at the 13th annual EAHAD congress in The Hague this February.
Evaluated Population and Data
Hemophiliacs completed the Modifiable Activities Questionnaire and Haemophilia Activities List, and their responses were analyzed focusing on the chosen sport, its intensity (frequency and duration of activity), and age. Sports were also categorized according to bleeding risk. A total of 635 adults and 125 children with hemophilia participated in the survey.
Key Findings
The proportion of regularly active individuals with hemophilia was high (68% of children and 59% of adults), nearly identical to the overall population in the Netherlands (69% of children and 58% of adults). A decline in sports participation with age was observed, mirroring trends in the general population.
More adults with mild hemophilia engaged in sports compared to those with severe forms (63% vs. 53%; for high-risk bleeding sports, 21% vs. 13%). In children, no correlation was found between the severity of hemophilia and the degree of engagement in sports, even for those with a high risk of bleeding.
Conclusion and Discussion
This first survey in the Netherlands focusing on the sporting activities of hemophiliacs surprisingly showed that the proportion of active hemophiliacs is no different from the general population. Adults with hemophilia reported some perceived limitations while participating in sports, whereas children did not perceive any restrictions.
The survey results suggest that Dutch hemophiliacs do not feel restricted by their disease in terms of engaging in sports, with some actively participating in sports traditionally considered high-risk, particularly regarding bleeding.
The survey authors note that further information is needed on the type and intensity of sports activities as well as potential injuries and complications that may be associated with certain sports in real life.
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Source: Versloot O., Schols S., Gouw S. et al. Trends in sports participation in young and adult patients with hemophilia. Poster 159. 13th annual congress of European Association for Haemophilia and Allied Disorders, The Hague, February 5–7, 2020.
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