The Effects of An Exercise Therapy Program on Joint Range of Motion, Aerobic Fitness, and Anxiety of Hemophilia A Patients

The purpose of this study was to survey the effects an exercise therapy program on joint range of motion (ROM), aerobic fitness, and anxiety of patients with hemophilia A. This study included 20 male hemophilia A patients (age: 22.55 ± 8.07 years; height: 172.17 ± 12.42 cm, weight: 60.88 ± 12.88 kg). After filling consent forms by subjects, pretests were performed during 1 week. The subjects were then randomly allocated into two groups. The experimental group participated in a selected exercise therapy program 3 times a week for 8 weeks. Finally, all tests were repeated as posttests. Descriptive statistics (mean and standard deviation) and inferential statistics including paired sample t-test and analysis of covariance were used to analyze data. The significance level was considered as P < 0.05. There were significant improvements in joints (ankle, knee, hip, shoulder, and elbow) ROM, aerobic fitness, and anxiety of the experimental group after participating in the exercise therapy program (P < 0.05). Moreover, comparisons between groups showed significant differences in joints ROM, aerobic fitness, and anxiety between the experimental and control groups after the intervention (P < 0.05). Correctly designed and performed physical activities can improve levels of physical and psychological factors in hemophilia patients. They should thus be considered seriously as a part of treatment for these patients.