Can motor proficiency testing predict sports injuries and sports-induced bleeds in people with haemophilia?

Abstract

Predicting the risk of sports injuries and sports-induced bleeds (SIBs) in people with haemophilia (PWH) may support clinical counselling. To assess the association between motor proficiency testing and sports injuries and SIBs and to identify a specific set of tests for predicting injury risk in PWH. In a single centre, prospective study male PWH aged 6-49 playing sports ≥1x/week were tested for running speed and agility, balance, strength and endurance. Test results below -2Z were considered poor. Sports injuries and SIBs were collected for 12months while 7days of physical activity (PA) for each season was registered with accelerometers. Injury risk was analysed according to test results and type of physical activity (%time walking, cycling, running). Predictive values for sports injuries and SIBs were determined. Data from 125 PWH (mean [±SD] age: 25 [±12], 90% haemophilia A; 48% severe, 95% on prophylaxis, median factor level: 2.5 [IQR 0-15]IU/dl) were included. Few participants (n=19, 15%) had poor scores. Eighty-seven sports injuries and 26 SIBs were reported. Poor scoring participants reported 11/87 sports injuries and 5/26 SIBs. The current tests were poor predictors of sports injuries (Range PPV: 0%-40%), or SIBs (PPV: 0%-20%). PA type was not associated with season (activity seasonal p values>.20) and type of PA was not associated with sports injuries or SIBs (Spearman's rho<.15). These motor proficiency- and endurance tests were unable to predict sports injuries or SIBs in PWH, potentially due to few PWH with poor results and low numbers of sports injuries and SIBs.