Impact of Exercise/Sport on Well-Being in von Willebrand Disease and Other Congenital Bleeding Disorders: An Update
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Updated: Jan 13, 2026

Investigating von Willebrand Factor Pathophysiology Using a Flow Chamber Model of von Willebrand Factor-platelet String Formation
Published on: August 14, 2017
Anna Chiara Giuffrida1, Giorgio Gandini1, Daniele Focosi2
1Department of Transfusion Medicine, Hemophilia Center, Integrated University Hospital, Verona, Italy.
Abstract:
Worldwide, one in four adults and three in four children fail to meet the physical activity targets recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO). Patients with chronic diseases and disabilities represent some of the least active populations. WHO guidelines encourage regular physical activity for individuals with disabilities, considering functional capacity and clinical status. Recommended interventions include moderate-to-vigorous activity, muscle-strengthening exercises at least twice weekly, and functional balance training at least three times per week, with specialist consultation as needed. Data on physical activity and sports participation in patients with chronic conditions such as inherited bleeding disorders are very limited. This narrative review updates the literature, focusing on von Willebrand disease and rare coagulation defects and highlighting the need for individualized, multidisciplinary recommendations to promote safe physical activity and optimize health outcomes.
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