Resistance training with blood flow restriction for people with hemophilia

The Acute and Chronic Impact of Blood Flow Restriction Resistance Training on Physical and Neuromuscular Function, Pain, and Quality of Life in Patients with Moderate/severe Hemophilia

This study is testing if a special type of safe exercise with limited blood flow can help people with hemophilia get stronger and feel better without increasing their risk of bleeding.

Quick facts

• Phase: Not applicable
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 20 (estimated)
• Ages: 18 Years to 60 Years
• Sex: Male
• Sponsor: University of Valencia (Academic / other)
• Locations: 1 site (Valencia)
• Trial ID: NCT05568524 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study evaluates the safety and chronic effects of a low-load resistance exercise program combined with blood flow restriction in individuals diagnosed with hemophilia. Participants will engage in elbow flexions, extensions, and knee extensions twice a week for eight weeks, with assessments of quality of life, pain, and physical and neuromuscular function before and after the program. The intervention aims to determine if this approach can enhance physical capabilities while minimizing the risk of bleeding episodes associated with traditional resistance training.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 to 60 with hemophilia A or B who are on prophylaxis and can commit to the exercise regimen.

Not a fit: Patients who have had recent major surgeries, significant bleeding episodes, or other hemostatic defects may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could improve the quality of life and physical function for patients with hemophilia.

How similar studies have performed: While there is limited data on this specific approach, similar studies in other populations have shown positive outcomes with blood flow restriction training.

Eligibility criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

* diagnosis of hemophilia A or B and undergoing prophylaxis;
* willingness to exercise twice a week during the training program and to complete the pre- and post-program evaluations;
* approval by their hematologist to participate in the exercise program;
* age between 18 and 60 years;
* informed consent signed.

Exclusion Criteria:

* the inability to attend exercise sessions at least twice a week for 8 consecutive weeks;
* non adherence to instruction on proper exercise technique;
* surgical procedures performed 6 weeks prior to or during the exercise program; - participation in any other form of exercise, not previously done, during the study;
* changes in medication during the study;
* a major bleeding episode that posed a risk or prevented exercise;
* another hemostatic defect;
* need for major surgery;
* withdrawal of informed consent.

Where this trial is running

Valencia

• Facultat de Fisioteràpia — Valencia, Spain (Recruiting)

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Sofía Pérez Alenda — University of Valencia
• Study coordinator: Sofía Pérez Alenda

Conditions Hemophilia; Electromyography; Muscle Activity; Resistance Training