Physical activity and its related factors in Japanese people with haemophilia

In the general population, benefits of physical activity (PA) include improvement of physical function, prevention of lifestyle diseases and improvement of bone mineral content and quality of life. PA is recommended for patients with haemophilia (PwH), especially for those receiving advanced haemostatic treatment. We hypothesised many PwH engage in insufficient PA.

This study aimed to clarify PA levels and the associated factors in Japanese PwH.

Physical activity was assessed using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire short version, and basic data, activities of daily living (ADLs) and self-efficacy were also collected.

A total of 106 questionnaires were completed. The average age of participant was 40.8 years. The median PA was 693.0 metabolic equivalent-min/wk. More than half of the participants (59.4%) were classified into the low activity group. PA showed a significant inverse correlation with age (P = 0.022) and a positive correlation with self-efficacy (P = 0.018). However, PA did not show a significant relationship with haemophilic severity, prophylactic treatment, annual intra-articular bleeding frequency, body mass index and ADL. In PwH receiving guidance in sports, such as activities that are safe to participate in or performing prophylaxis prior to a physical activity, self-efficacy was significantly higher (P = 0.033), ADL was better (P < 0.001), and mean age was younger (P = 0.01) than in those not receiving guidance in sports.

As for PA level, 60% of the subjects showed low activity. To promote PA in PwH, improvement of self-efficacy and appropriate guidance may be necessary.