Muscle Properties, Gross Motor Performance, and Quality of Life in Children With Sickle Cell Disease

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Health
• Hematology
• Rehabilitation Medicine

Background:

• Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a genetic blood disorder affecting red blood cells.
• Children with SCD often experience chronic pain and complications impacting physical function.
• Limited research exists on the interplay between muscle properties, motor performance, and QoL in this population.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate muscle characteristics, gross motor function, and quality of life (QoL) in children with SCD.
• To compare these outcomes between children with and without SCD.
• To examine the relationships between muscle properties, motor performance, and QoL.

Main Methods:

• Cross-sectional study involving 24 children with SCD.
• Muscle properties assessed via dynamometry (strength), ultrasonography (thickness), and electromyography (EMG) for neuromuscular activation (rate of activation [RoA]).
• Gross motor performance and QoL evaluated using standardized tests and questionnaires.

Main Results:

• Children with SCD exhibited significantly lower knee extension strength and VL EMG RoA compared to controls.
• Impaired gross motor performance and QoL were observed in children with SCD.
• Significant relationships were found among muscle properties, gross motor performance, and QoL.

Conclusions:

• Children with SCD experience deficits in muscle strength, neuromuscular activation, motor skills, and QoL.
• These findings underscore the importance of assessing muscle function and QoL in managing SCD.
• Individualized physical therapy plans are recommended to address these multifaceted challenges.