Physiotherapy, rehabilitation and sports in countries with limited replacement coagulation factor supply.

Full Abstract

It is well documented that physiotherapy and rehabilitation benefit people with haemophilia by strengthening the key muscle groups and protecting joints from the adverse effects of repeated haemorrhages. Rehabilitation, in conjunction with the availability of replacement coagulation factor products, has revolutionized approaches to the management of patients with haemophilia in developed countries and has led to a substantial decrease in both the morbidity and mortality rates among the haemophilic population. Modern treatment approaches have also enabled persons with haemophilia to participate in sporting activities along with their peers; however, these improvements in care have not been achieved in developing nations, where health-care resources and facilities are scarce and the supply of coagulation factor products is limited. This article attempts to address the following questions about the management of haemophilic patients in developing countries: Can physiotherapy, rehabilitation and sports prevent disabilities and preserve independence? Is participation in sports activities possible in developing countries? Do countries differ with regard to guidelines for participation in sports? Should we be encouraging participation in sports or allowing patients with haemophilia to do as they choose?

Author information

Author/s: Buzzard, B M (BM);

Affiliation: Newcastle upon Tyne Haemophilia Comprehensive Care Centre, United Kingdom. brenda_ buzzard(-atsign-)talk21.com

Journal and publication information

Publication Type: Journal Article

Journal: Haemophilia : the official journal of the World Federation of Hemophilia (Haemophilia), published in England. (Language: eng)

Reference: 2007-Sep; vol 13 Suppl 2 (issue ) : pp 44-6

Dates: Created 2007/08/09; Completed 2007/12/10; Revised 2009/10/21;

PMID: 17685924, status: MEDLINE (last retrieval date: 10/21/2009, IMS Date: )

Sourced from the National Library of Medicine. Abstract text and other information may be subject to copyright.

External Links for this article
(including full text providers, if available):

Click Electronic Full-text Provider Links to see options for finding the electronic full text links to this article. Note there may be a subscription or fee required for access to the full text. See our FAQ for information on finding FREE full text articles.

This article may also be located in paper journal collections available in many libraries. Use the Journal and Publication Information above to find the full article.