Physical Therapy Modalities in Children with Thalassemia and Sickle Cell Disease: Narrative Review

Abstract

Abstract Background: Physical therapy is playing an important role in enhancing and promoting health related quality of life in children with thalassemia and sickle cell disease by de-creasing the associated disease symptoms as pain, anxiety, depression and fatigue and enhancing the cardiopulmonary system, bone mass index, ferritin and serum levels by using different physical therapy modalities as exercise training, Yoga, Massage therapy, transcutaneous electrical nerve stim-ulation (TENS), spirometer and vibration therapy. Aim of Study: To identify the effectiveness of using physical therapy modalities in children with thalassemia and sickle cell disease. Subjects and Methods: This review included Children with thalassemia and sickle cell disease aged between 6 to 18 years, receive different physical therapy modalities. Design: A search of electronic databases that included, PubMed, Physical therapy Evidence Database, Google scholar, Science Direct and Cochrane was searched since ever till December 2019 using the following keywords: 'Physical therapy modalities', 'thalassemia', 'exercise training', 'sickle cell disease', 'breathing exercise', 'health related quality of life', 'transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation' and 'children'. Results: Twelve articles that were retrieved met the inclusion criteria. Conclusion: From clinical point of view using physical therapy modalities can promote quality of life in children suffering from thalassemia and from sickle cell disease but furthermore studies are needed to help the researchers and the patients.