Isokinetic Training in Children with Hemophilia: Effects on Muscle Strength, Pain and Mobility

Aim: To investigate the effect of isokinetic training on muscle strength, pain and mobility in children with hemophilia. Subjects: Forty boys, aged from 10 to 16 years, with moderate hemophilia A and B were enrolled in this study. They were randomly assigned to Group I and Group II, 20 boys each. Methods: Group I received isokinetic training for knee flexors and extensors in addition to designed rehabilitation program, while Group II received designed rehabilitation program only. Treatment program was conducted for 90 minutes, three times/week for a successive 6 weeks for both groups. Main Measures: Eccentric and concentric peak torque and power of the knee flexors and extensors, pain and mobility were evaluated before and after treatment period by using Biodex isokinetic dynamometer, Visual Analogue Scale and Functional independence score in Hemophilia respectively. Results: Both groups showed a statistically significant improvement of the measured variables, but in favor of the Group I. Conclusion: Isokinetic training in conjunction with a designed rehabilitation program significantly increase peak torque and power of the knee flexors and extensors, reduce pain and improve mobility in children with hemophilia.