The Effects of Manual Therapy in Hemophilic Patients

Necmettin Erbakan University

Status: Completed

Conditions: Arthropathy Hemophilic; Hemophilia

Treatments: Other: Manual therapy

Study type: Interventional

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT04309903

Necmettin Erb. Physiotherapy-2

Details and patient eligibility

About

Uncertainty about how to treat existing hemophilic arthropathy (HA) is the most important issue that will increase functionality and joint health. Recent studies have shown that MT can be used safely for improving joint health, pain and ROM with no bleedings in PwH with elbow and ankle HA. Unlike MT studies in hemophilia, we investigated the effects of MT on important parameters such as muscle strength (MS), functional level, joint health, functional independence score in hemophilia (FISH) and kinesiophobia. These parameters are closely related to functional level and quality of life of PwH. Therefore, evaluation of these parameters and determining the effects of the MT on these parameters are very important for both PwH and also clinicians.

Full description

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of manual therapy in addition to home exercise program on hemophilia functional independence level, joint health, kinesiophobia, functional level, range of motion, muscle strength and pain level in hemophilic individuals with lower extremity joint arthropathy. Hemophilic arthropathy was developed in at least one of the lower extremity joints and aged between 18-30 years 17 severe type hemophilic men were participated in the study. The participants were divided into two groups as Home Exercise Group (HEG) and Manual Therapy Group (MTG) by randomization method. While the HEG was performed the exercise program at home, in addition to the same HEG manual therapy were applied to the MTG by the same physiotherapist 3 days a week for 1 hour. Both groups were followed for a total of 5 weeks and pre-treatment evaluations were repeated post-treatment. The joint health of the hemophilics in both groups were evaluated with Hemophilia Joint Health Score (HJHS), their kinesiophobia level were evaluated with Tampa Kinesophobia Scale, their functionality with the Functional Independence Score in Hemophilia (FISH). In addition, Functional Reach, Timed Up and Go and 5 Times Sit-to- Stand tests were used for functional level. The range of motion was evaluated with a goniometer, muscle strength was measured with a digital dynamometer and pain level was assessed with a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). Number of hemarthrosis decreased in both groups.

Enrollment: 17 patients

Sex: Male

Ages: 18 to 30 years old

Volunteers: No Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

• Patients with hemophilia who have arthropathy developed in any of the lower extremity joints due to severe hemophilia and to be receiving regular prophylaxis (3*1500 IU/ per week), but not having regular physical activity and sports.

Exclusion criteria

• Patients with hemophilia who had any disease related to connective tissue, any surgery that affects lower limb function (joint debridement, fracture, prosthesis), any neurological disease or cognitive impairment that may affect functional level, any sensorial loss of peripheral nerve injury and did not attend their sessions and evaluations regularly.

Trial design

Primary purpose: Treatment

Allocation: Randomized

Interventional model: Parallel Assignment

Masking: None (Open label)

---

17 participants in 2 patient groups

Manual Therapy

Experimental group

Description:

The experienced physiotherapist has applied manual therapy (MT) to the arthropathic joints. MT was started with myofascial release techniques (MRT), then continued with mobilization techniques using Kalternborn. Superficial MRT consisted of 3 strokes, via manual movement on the tissue, encourage release of the superficial fascia. In the Kalternborn mobilization technique, Grade I-II mobilization was applied with traction without using a strap. The same exercises given to the home exercise group were given to the patients in this group as well.

Treatment:

Other: Manual therapy

Home Exercise

Active Comparator group

Description:

The home exercises (HE) consisted of active ROM exercises, passive stretching exercises, progressive resistive exercises, weigh-bearing and stance exercises were performed by the patient for 30 minutes at home.

Treatment:

Other: Manual therapy