Physical rehabilitation of patients with hemophilic arthropathy: Systematic review and pain-related meta-analysis

Abstract

IntroductionHaemophilic arthropathy presents with different important clinical disorders, such as joint disease, pain, decreased range of motion, and functional alterations that can produce limitations in functionality and mobility. The physical exercise adapted to patients with haemophilia can be an adequate therapeutic strategy, having a positive impact on the quality of life of these subjects. ObjectivesTo identify the published clinical trials that evaluate the efficacy of physical rehabilitation in the treatment of haemophilic arthropathy. Materials and methodsA systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical trials was conducted (using pre-defined eligibility criteria). The literature search was performed in the databases: PEDro, Pubmed, Scopus, and Web of Science. The quality of the methods used in the studies was evaluated using the PEDro scale. ResultsAfter applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 7 studies were included in this review, providing favourable results on muscle strength and circumference, range of motion, joint disease, and quality of life. Moreover, 2 articles contributed information to the meta-analysis, showing favourable results on pain [Standardised mean difference (SMD) = −2.64; 95% CI: (−4.26 − +1.03)]. ConclusionsThis systematic review found evidence on the efficacy of physical rehabilitation in the treatment for haemophilic arthropathy. Therapeutic exercise is the main treatment carried out, obtaining significant improvements in the different physical outcomes.