Related Experiment Video
Updated: Nov 17, 2025
A Swimming-Induced Zebrafish Exercise Apparatus for Versatile Training Approaches
Published on: October 18, 2024
Aquatic exercise in patients with haemophilia: Electromyographic and functional results from a prospective cohort
Glenda Feldberg1,2, Janaína B S Ricciardi1,2, Alessandro R Zorzi3
1Haemophilia Treatment Center (HTC) 'Cláudio Luiz Pizzigatti Corrêa', Hemocentro UNICAMP, University of Campinas, Campinas, Brazil.
Introduction:
Recurrent joint bleeds in haemophilia patients often cause musculoskeletal changes leading to functional capacity impairment.
Aim:
In this study, we assessed the effects of aquatic activities performed to improve functional capacity in these patients.
Methods:
The interventional protocol consisted of 24 hydrotherapy sessions during three months, in comparison with 24 swimming sessions. The pre- and post-intervention assessment consisted of Functional Independence Score, haemophilia joint health score (HJHS), Pediatric Haemophilia Activities List (PedHAL), surface electromyography (SEMG) of thigh muscles to assess muscle electric activity, and load cell on extensor and flexor thigh muscles to evaluate muscular strength.
Results:
Forty-seven haemophilia patients were enrolled in this study, and 32 (23 severe haemophilia A, one moderate haemophilia A and 8 severe haemophilia B), median age 12y (6 to 40y), concluded the aquatic intervention. We observed a statistically significant increase with substantial improvement in functional capacity in the pre- and post-intervention evaluation of hydrotherapy in comparison with the swimming protocol, with HJHS (p = .006 and p = .001 respectively), PedHAL (Sum score) (p = .022 and p = .001) and score FISH (p = .021). The swimming group revealed significant improvements in muscular strength, in all muscles tested (p = .005 and p = .001). SEMG signal amplitude reached significantly higher levels in all muscles evaluated after both interventions except for the vastus medialis (right) in the hydrotherapy group.
Conclusion:
Our results concluded that both swimming and hydrotherapy were associated with physical improvement in haemophilia patients; however, only hydrotherapy lead to a more significant improvement in functional capacity.
More Related Videos
07:27Exergaming in Older People Living with HIV Improves Balance, Mobility and Ameliorates Some Aspects of Frailty
Published on: October 6, 2016
04:43Author Spotlight: Advancing Upper Limb Rehabilitation in Patients with Right Hemisphere Damage Using Assisted Active Exercise
Published on: February 9, 2024
Related Concept Videos
01:20Exercise and Cardiovascular Response
Light to moderate physical activity initiates a series of interconnected responses in the body. The heart rate modestly increases in anticipation of the workout, followed by widespread vasodilation as oxygen consumption by skeletal muscles increases. This results in decreased peripheral resistance, increased capillary blood flow, and accelerated...
01:17Exercise and Cardiac Output
Sustained exercise increases the muscles' oxygen demand, which can be...