Assessing pain tolerance, balance, and strength in children with sickle cell anemia

Pressure Pain Tolerance in Relation to Balance and Strength in Children With Sickle Cell Anemia

This study is testing how pain tolerance, balance, and muscle strength differ between healthy kids and those with sickle cell anemia to help create safe exercise guidelines for them.

Quick facts

• Phase: Not applicable
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 80 (estimated)
• Ages: 9 Years to 14 Years
• Sex: All
• Sponsor: Cairo University (Academic / other)
• Locations: 1 site (Giza)
• Trial ID: NCT06529874 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study evaluates the relationship between pressure pain tolerance, balance, and muscle strength in children aged 9-14 with sickle cell anemia. It involves measuring pain tolerance using a Digital Pressure Algometer, assessing balance with the HUMAC balance system, and evaluating lower limb muscular strength with a Lafayette hand-held dynamometer. The study includes 80 participants, with half being healthy children and the other half having sickle cell anemia, to understand how these factors affect their physical capabilities. The goal is to inform future guidelines for safe exercise prescriptions for children with this condition.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are children aged 9-14 with sickle cell anemia who are medically stable and have experienced chronic pain for over six months.

Not a fit: Patients with significant cardiovascular or respiratory disorders, renal failure, or other serious health issues may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved exercise guidelines that enhance the physical abilities and quality of life for children with sickle cell anemia.

How similar studies have performed: While there is limited research specifically on this approach, studies addressing exercise and physical capabilities in sickle cell anemia have shown promise, suggesting potential for success.

Eligibility criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

* Age range range was 9-14 years old.
* Could follow given instructions.
* Children with Sickle cell anemia were medically stable, and take their medications regularly.
* Children with Sickle cell anemia had experience of chronic pain that lasts more than 6 months.
* All children with Sickle cell anemia have average weight, height, and body mass index based on their age percentiles.
* All normal healthy children did not participating in regular sport activities, particularly including lower limb strengthening.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Defined cardiovascular or respiratory disorders.
* Renal failure.
* Myocardial infarction, mainly within last month.
* Unstable angina.
* Recent thoracoabdominal surgery.
* Thoracic or abdominal aneurysm or current pneumothorax.
* Painful vaso-occlusive crises.
* Muscular contractures, Joints' stiffness, or deformities.
* Neuromuscular problems i.e., myositis or peripheral neuropathy.

Where this trial is running

Giza

• El-Tahrir st.- in front of Ben El-Sarayat, Ad Doqi Al Giza, Giza Governate — Giza, Egypt (Recruiting)

Study contacts

• Study coordinator: Mahmoud M Metwaly, MD

Conditions Sickle Cell Anemia