Effectiveness of Manual Therapy and Strengthening Exercises in Hemophilic Arthropathy of the Elbow Joint

Investigation of Effectiveness of Manual Therapy and Strengthening Exercises in Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation of Hemophilic Arthropathy of the Elbow

Manual treatment involves techniques based on the principles of moving the joint faces and separating the joint gap, and soft tissues mobilization techniques. The use of manual therapy in hemophilia is gradually increasing although it previously described as a contraindication. The utility and use of strengthening exercises in hemophilia has been going on for a long time. In this study, the effect of manual therapy and strengthening exercises joint was investigated in hemophilic arthropathy of the elbow.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of strengthening exercises and manual therapy on bleeding frequency, pain, range of motion, muscle strength, arm circumference, joint health, functionality and quality of life in the physiotherapy and rehabilitation of hemophilic arthropathy of the elbow. Seventeen adolescent and young adult hemophilic individuals aged 12-30 years with elbow arthropathy were included in the study. The individuals were divided into the two groups via simple randomisation as Manuel Therapy and Exercise Group (MTEG) and Home Exercise Group (HEG). The individuals in HEG were given strengthening exercises as a home program. Those in the MTEG were applied manual therapy by the physiotherapist and were given supervised strengthening exercises. All treatments were performed 3 times a week for 5 weeks totally 15 sessions. Frequency of bleeding was evaluated with number of bleeding in the last 5 weeks. Numerical Pain Scale was used for activity and resting pain. Range of motion and muscle strength were measured with universal goniometer and digital dynamometer, respectively. The Quick-DASH questionnaire and Oxford Elbow Score were used for the functionality of the upper extremity and quality of life, respectively. The joint health status was evaluated with Hemophilia Joint Health Score-Elbow Point and Hospital for Special Surgery-Elbow Scoring System. Evaluations were made by the same physiotherapist before and after treatment.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Having signs of hemophilic arthropathy in one or both elbow joints, Being between the ages of 12-30 (Adolescent and young adult), Receiving prophylactic factor replacement therapy.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Having undergone any surgical procedure for elbow arthropathy, Having an orthopedic problem, such as a fracture, ligament or tendon injury, related to the upper limb in the past year, Receiving physiotherapy and rehabilitation for the elbow joint in the last 6 months