Resistance Training With Blood Flow Restriction in Hemophilia

The Acute and Chronic Impact of Blood Flow Restriction Resistance Training on Physical and Neuromuscular Function, Pain, and Quality of Life in Patients With Moderate/Severe Hemophilia

The main objectives of this study are to evaluate safety and chronic effects of a low-load resistance exercise intervention (elbow flexions and extensions, and knee extensions) with blood flow restriction in people with hemophilia on quality of life, pain, and on physical and neuromuscular function.

Inclusion Criteria:

• diagnosis of hemophilia A or B and undergoing prophylaxis;
• willingness to exercise twice a week during the training program and to complete the pre- and post-program evaluations;
• approval by their hematologist to participate in the exercise program;
• age between 18 and 60 years;
• informed consent signed.

Exclusion Criteria:

• the inability to attend exercise sessions at least twice a week for 8 consecutive weeks;
• non adherence to instruction on proper exercise technique;
• surgical procedures performed 6 weeks prior to or during the exercise program; - participation in any other form of exercise, not previously done, during the study;
• changes in medication during the study;
• a major bleeding episode that posed a risk or prevented exercise;
• another hemostatic defect;
• need for major surgery;
• withdrawal of informed consent.