Document Type : Original Articles

Authors

• Behrouz Parhampour ¹
• Giti Torkaman ²
• Hamid Horfar ³
• Mehdi Hedayati ⁴
• Roya Ravanbod ⁵

¹ Department of Physical Therapy, School of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran

² Professor, Department of Physical Therapy, School of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran

³ General Practitioner, Inherited Blood Disorder Clinic, Sayedalshohada Hospital, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran

⁴ Associate Professor, Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Research Institute for Endocrine Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran

⁵ Postdoctoral Researcher, Depatment of Physical Therapy, School of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran

Abstract

Introduction: Increased muscle strength and resistance exercises are potential ways to improve the balance. In this study, we compared the effect of progressive resistive exercise versus combined resistance training with pulsed electromagnetic fields on muscle strength and balance in severe haemophilia A patients.Materials and Methods: Thirty two severe haemophilia A patients with osteoporosis (aged 18-35 years old), were assigned randomly to a resistance training (RT), resistance training with pulsed electromagnetic field (RTPEMF) and control groups. RT group performed trunk, upper and lower limb resistance exercises (progressively, as 50-60% 1RM) for approximately 30-40 min, and RTPEMF group was exposed to 30-minute PEMF with frequency of 30 Hz, and 40 Gauss as well as 30-minute resistance training with lower repetitions for 3 days weekly for 6 weeks. Muscle strength based on 1RM and balance tests (one leg standing, functional reach test, near tandem stand, timed up and go, timed sit to stand) were measured before and after 6 weeks of intervention.Results: Muscle strength and balance tests improved significantly in the RT and RTPEMF groups related to control group and baseline values (P < 0.05).Conclusion: RT and RTPEMF are effective to improve the muscular strength and balance in severe haemophilic A patients.Keywords: Haemophilia A, Pulsed electromagnetic field, Resistance exercise, Balance