Effects of Photobiomodulation in Hemophilia Patients.

Effects of Photobiomodulation on Knee Hemarthosis in Patients With Hemophilia.

Hemophilia is a genetic bleeding disorder that commonly leads to knee hemarthrosis, causing pain, swelling, and reduced joint mobility in children. While standard treatments include clotting factor replacement and physiotherapy, additional non-invasive approaches are being explored. This study aims to evaluate the effects of photobiomodulation on knee hemarthrosis in male hemophilia patients aged 9-14 years. It focuses on determining whether this therapy can reduce pain and swelling and improve joint range of motion when used alongside

Hemophilia is a hereditary bleeding disorder characterized by a deficiency in clottingfactors VIII or IX, leading to spontaneous or trauma-induced internal bleeding, especially into muscles and joints. Knee hemarthrosis is among the most commonanddebilitating complications in pediatric hemophilia patients, contributing to chronicjoint pain, restricted mobility, and long-term deformities. Conventional management includes clotting factor replacement and physiotherapeutic interventions such as theRICE protocol. However, complementary, non-invasive strategies are increasinglybeing explored to enhance joint health and reduce recurrent bleeding episodes. Photobiomodulation (PBM), also known as low-level laser therapy (LLLT), has shown promising effects on reducing inflammation, promoting tissue repair, andmanaging musculoskeletal pain, but its role in managing hemarthrosis in hemophiliaremains underexplored. This quasi-experimental study aims to evaluate the effects of photobiomodulationonknee hemarthrosis in male hemophilia patients aged 9 to 14 years. The study will beconducted at Sundas Foundation, Sialkot, following ethical approval fromBASAR. Atotal sample size of 24 will be selected using non-probability convenient sampling.Patients will be receiving LLLT in addition to standard care for 10 minutes for 3 days a week after an acute internal bleed or swelling. The primary outcomes assessedwill include pain intensity (using the Visual Analogue Scale), swelling (using a measuringtape), and range of motion (measured with a goniometer). Data will be collectedpre- and post-intervention to observe the effectiveness of PBM in improving joint functionand reducing hemarthrosis severity. The data will be collected using SPSS version26.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Hemophilia patients with knee hemarthosis
• Patients of age 9-14 yrs will be taken
• Bothmaleand female population will be included

Exclusion Criteria:

• Presence of open wounds at or near the treatment site.
• Kneejoint subluxation.
• Presence of congenital or acquired skeletal deformities.
• Children diagnosed with cardiopulmonary dysfunctions.
• Children with neurological deficits