Aquatic exercise for persons with haemophilia: A review of literature

Background: and purpose: Aquatic exercise exerts low contact stresses on the joints and may expedite an efficient recovery in persons with haemophilia. The objective of this review is to provide a qualitative summary of the interventional trials on the effects of aquatic exercise for haemophilia.

Methods: The literature search was carried out in the databases PubMed, CINAHL, CENTRAL, and PEDro to identify the interventional trials published in the English language from their inception to December 2017. Studies must deliver and report the effectiveness of the aquatic intervention in participants with haemophilia. Quality assessment of the studies was performed using the Down and Black Quality index.

Results: Four studies of moderate methodological quality were identified. Overall, the studies reported positive effects of aquatic exercise, some in comparison with no treatment and land-based exercise. Two trials reported improvements in range of motion of the elbow, knee, ankle joints, and knee muscle strength. Low-level evidence noticed an increase in aerobic capacity and prothrombin time.

Conclusion: The present review identified preliminary supportive research for aquatic intervention in persons with haemophilia. However, more robust interventional trials are required to conclude the effectiveness of the aquatic intervention in haemophilia.