Exercise program for children with sickle cell disease

Sickle Cell Children's Exercise Study Determining the Effects of a Targeted Exercise Training Program on Neuromuscular Performance, Locomotor Efficiency, and Exercise Tolerance in Children with Sickle Cell Disease.

Not applicable Interventional University of Maryland, Baltimore · NCT06074198

This study tests whether a six-week exercise program can help children with sickle cell disease improve their strength, balance, speed, and agility.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment20 (estimated)
Ages6 Years to 17 Years
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Maryland, Baltimore Academic / other
Locations2 sites (Baltimore, Maryland and 1 other locations)
Trial IDNCT06074198 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

The Sickle Cell Children's Exercise Study (SuCCESs) aims to evaluate the feasibility and effects of a moderate intensity exercise program focusing on strengthening, balance, speed, and agility in children diagnosed with sickle cell disease. Participants will undergo a baseline assessment followed by six weeks of the SuCCESs program, which includes attending six in-person physical therapy sessions and completing additional home exercises. After the intervention, a post-assessment will be conducted to measure the outcomes of the program.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are children aged 6-17 years who have been diagnosed with sickle cell disease.

Not a fit: Patients with neurological disorders unrelated to sickle cell disease or those with recent lower extremity injuries may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this program could improve physical performance and overall quality of life for children with sickle cell disease.

How similar studies have performed: While there is limited data on similar exercise interventions specifically for sickle cell disease, other studies have shown positive outcomes in physical therapy for chronic conditions in children.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Children 6-17 years of age diagnosed with sickle cell disease

Exclusion Criteria:

* Diagnosis of neurological disorder, not related to sickle cell disease
* Lower extremity injury such as a fracture with a cast

Where this trial is running

Baltimore, Maryland and 1 other locations

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Sickle Cell Diseasephysical therapyneuromotor performancefunctional capacity
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.