Exercise program for children with sickle cell disease

Low Systemic/High Local Exercise Load in Pediatric Sickle Cell Disease

Not applicable Interventional University of Mississippi Medical Center · NCT06387758

This study is trying to find out which type of exercise works best for kids aged 12 to 17 with sickle cell disease by comparing a home walking program to a strengthening program over 8 weeks.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment60 (estimated)
Ages12 Years to 17 Years
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Mississippi Medical Center Academic / other
Locations1 site (Jackson, Mississippi)
Trial IDNCT06387758 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This research aims to determine the most effective type of exercise for children aged 12 to 17 with sickle cell disease. Participants will undergo a baseline assessment, including blood tests and questionnaires on pain and emotional health, before being randomized into either a home-based walking or strengthening exercise program for 8 weeks. The program will be conducted via telehealth, with monitoring of physical activity and follow-up assessments to evaluate changes in fitness and well-being. The study will involve a total of 60 families and will last up to 10 weeks for each participant.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are youth aged 12 to 17 diagnosed with specific sickle cell genotypes and have access to the internet.

Not a fit: Patients with cognitive impairments or medical conditions that prevent safe exercise may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could improve physical fitness and emotional health in children with sickle cell disease.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown positive outcomes with exercise interventions in similar populations, suggesting potential for success in this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* youth 12 to 17 years old
* diagnosed with SCD genotype SS, SC, beta-plus thalassemia, or beta-zero thalassemia
* has daily access to an Internet enabled device (e.g., smart phone, IPad) A parent (≥21 years old) will also be recruited for each youth participant.

Exclusion Criteria:

* non-English speaking due to lack of available written translation services for informed consent and questionnaires
* cognitive impairment (e.g., moderate to profound intellectual disability) that precludes study completion
* medical condition (e.g., hypertension, bone fracture) that precludes completing exercise safely (determined by study medical director Dr. McNaull).

Where this trial is running

Jackson, Mississippi

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 Anemia in Children
Last reviewed 2026-06-15 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.