Immersive VR movement visualization in patients with hemophilic knee arthropathy: randomized, multicenter, single-blind clinical trial.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficacy of an immersive movement visualization intervention in patients with hemophilia and hemophilic knee arthropathy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Randomized, single-blind clinical study. Twenty-eight patients with hemophilia were recruited. Patients were randomized to an experimental group (four weeks of immersive movement visualization) and a control group (no intervention). The intensity of pain, pressure pain threshold in the knee, tibialis anterior muscle, lower back level, conditioned pain modulation, range of knee motion, and lower limb functionality were evaluated. RESULTS: There were statistically significant differences in the intergroup effect on knee pain intensity (F = 23.71; p < 0.001) and lower limb functionality (F = 7.11; p = 0.003). 42.86% of the patients in the experimental group exhibited changes greater than the minimum detectable change (MDC) in functionality. 39.29% of the patients subject to the intervention experienced changes greater than the MDC in the knee pressure pain threshold. CONCLUSIONS: Immersive motion visualization can improve the intensity of joint pain and functionality in patients with hemophilic knee arthropathy. Functionality, pressure pain threshold, and pain intensity improved in those patients who conducted immersive movement visualization.Implications for rehabilitationImmersive visualization of movement significantly improves intensity of joint pain, functionality, pressure pain threshold, joint health, and conditioned pain modulation in patients with hemophilic knee arthropathy.The fact that it is a therapy without potential aversive stimuli makes it a possible access pathway for patients with high levels of kinesiophobia and/or catastrophism.This low-cost, home-based technology allows its use in patients far from hemophilia reference centers or with difficult access to physiotherapy treatments.The immersive visualization of movement influences the democratization of treatment, in accordance with the WHO's Sustainable Development Goal 3 (health and well-being for all).

Changes in Quality of Life, Adherence, and Kinesiophobia in Patients with Hemophilia Treated with Extended Half-Life Treatment: Final Results of the LongHest Project.

(1) Background: Hemophilia is a bleeding disorder characterized by hemarthrosis. Prophylaxis is the gold standard for bleeding prevention. Extended half-life (EHL) recombinant FVIII replacement products have shown to be associated with low bleeding rates. The aim was to evaluate the efficacy of EHL prophylaxis in improving perceived quality of life, adherence to treatment, and kinesiophobia in patients with hemophilia. (2) Methods: This was a prospective cohort study. Forty-six patients from different regions, who had started EHL FVIII concentrate prophylactic treatment, were evaluated at baseline and at 12-month follow-up. The study variables were as follows: perceived quality of life (36-Item Short Form Health Survey), adherence to treatment (Validated Hemophilia Regimen Treatment Adherence Scale-Prophylaxis), and kinesiophobia (Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia). (3) Results: There were statistically significant differences in the domains Role-Physical (p < 0.001), Bodily Pain (p < 0.001), Role-Emotional (p < 0.001), Vitality (p = 0.04), and Social Functioning (p = 0.01) and the total scores, Physical Health (p < 0.001) and Mental Health (p < 0.001) on perceived quality of life. There were significant differences in the domains Skipping (p < 0.01), Communicating (p < 0.001), and the total score (p = 0.01) in terms of adherence. There were also significant differences in kinesiophobia (p = 0.02) after the study period. (4) Conclusions: EHL prophylaxis can improve the perceived quality of life of people with hemophilia. This prophylactic regimen, which requires fewer infusions, may improve adherence to treatment in adult patients with hemophilia over a 12-month period. The administration of extended half-life factor VIII concentrates can reduce kinesiophobia in adult patients with hemophilic arthropathy.

Cervical impairments in subjects with migraine or tension type headache: an observational study.

Objective: The aim of this investigation was to compare the thickness of the deep local muscles in the neck region, as well as local and widespread sensitivity and functionality, between individuals with migraine, Tension-Type Headache (TTH), and healthy controls. To date, we know that the onset of migraine and TTH share similar pathophysiological pathways. Nevertheless, there may be some anatomical and functional differences which would explain why clinicians may obtain variable results when treating both pathological entities with similar or equal approaches. Methods: An observational study was conducted in accordance with STROBE guidelines. The flexor longus colli and multifidus, two neck-stabilizing muscles, were measured using B-mode ultrasound imaging. The upper trapezius, masseter, temporalis, tibialis anterior, and median nerve all underwent bilateral pressure-pain threshold (PPT) assessments. Results: Ninety participants were enrolled in the study. All subjects were equally divided into TTH, migraine and control groups. The PPT values exhibited lower thresholds in patients with TTH than both migraine and healthy participants. Specifically, in the temporal muscle on both sides, patients with TTH exhibited a significantly lower threshold (p < 0.001)than both migraine and healthy participants. Patients with TTH displayed significantly lower thresholds in both upper trapezius muscles (right: p < 0.001; left: p = 0.001). Similar results were obtained for the tibialis anterior PPTs from both sides (p = 0.001 in both). However, both clinical groups exhibited lower thresholds than the healthy subjects (p < 0.001). In multifidus muscle cross-sectional area (CSA), no statistically significant differences were found between migraine patients and healthy subjects, both in relaxation and contraction (right; p > 0.05 and p > 0.05; left: p > 0.05 and p > 0.05). However, patients with TTH exhibited a smaller CSA than both migraine patients and healthy controls in multifidus relaxed and contracted state (right: p < 0.001 in both relaxed and contracted multifidus; left: p = 0.001 and p < 0.001, respectively). Similar results were obtained for the left longus colli muscle in both relaxation and contraction for patients with TTH and migraine compared with healthy subjects (p = 0.001 and p < 0.001, respectively, for muscle relaxation and p < 0.001 for muscle contraction). However, no significant differences were observed between patients with TTH and migraine (p < 0.05 in both relaxation and contraction). In the right longus colli, TTH and migraine patients had a significantly smaller CSA during contraction than healthy subjects (p < 0.001 in both comparisons). In the craniocervical flexion test, both groups of patients with TTH and migraine showed significantly lower values than healthy subjects (p < 0.001 in both comparisons). However, no significant differences were found between patients with TTH and migraineurs (p > 0.05). Conclusion: The findings provide a significant message for clinicians since anatomical and functional impairments were shown in patients with TTH and migraine. This study corroborates a lack of strength and smaller CSA in both clinical groups compared to controls. Therefore, strengthening programs may be addressed successfully for people with these pathological entities. To be more accurate, according to PPTs and CSA lower values in patients with TTH compared to migraine and controls, manual therapy approaches to desensitize craniocervical soft tissues and exercise therapy to increase endurance of deep cervical muscles may become meaningful especially in subjects with TTH. Nevertheless, in order to distinguish precisely between patients with TTH and migraine, different diagnostic strategies may be used in the future to describe these populations in further detail, which will assist health professionals in a more accurate treatment selection.

Safety and efficacy of myofascial release therapy in the treatment of patients with hemophilic ankle arthropathy. Single-blind randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Hemophilia is characterized by degenerative joint damage. Patients with hemophilic arthropathy present joint damage, reduced range of motion, and decreased strength and functional capacity. Myofascial release therapy aims to decrease pain and improve tissue mobility and functionality. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of myofascial release therapy in patients with hemophilic ankle arthropathy. METHOD: Single-blind randomized controlled trial. Fifty-eight adult patients with hemophilia were randomly allocated to the experimental group (myofascial release therapy with foam roller) or the control group (no intervention whatsoever). The daily home protocol of myofascial release therapy for the lower limbs using a foam roller lasted eight consecutive weeks. The primary variable was the safety of myofascial release therapy (weekly telephone follow-up). The secondary variables were pain intensity (visual analog scale), range of motion (goniometer), functional capacity (2-Minute Walk Test) and muscle strength (dynamometer), at baseline and at 8 and 10 weeks. RESULTS: During the experimental phase, none of the patients in the experimental group developed ankle hemarthrosis. There were statistically significant changes in time*group interaction in ankle dorsal flexion (F[1.75] = 10.72; p < .001), functional capacity (F[1.16] = 5.24; p = .009) and gastrocnemius strength (F[2] = 26.01; p < .001). The effect size of the changes after the intervention was medium-large in pain intensity (d = -1.77), functional capacity (d = 1.34) and gastrocnemius strength (d = 0.76). CONCLUSION: Myofascial release therapy is a safe form of physical therapy for patients with hemophilia. Myofascial release therapy can effectively complement prophylactic pharmacological treatment in patients with hemophilic arthropathy, improving range of motion in dorsal flexion, functional capacity and gastrocnemius strength.

Foam roller-based self-induced myofascial therapy in patients with hemophilic knee arthropathy: a multicenter, single-blind, randomized clinical study.

BACKGROUND: Hemophilia is a congenital coagulopathy characterized by degenerative joint damage. Self-induced myofascial therapy aims to decrease pain and improve tissue mobility, functionality and proprioception. AIM: The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of self-induced myofascial release in patients with hemophilic knee arthropathy. DESIGN: This is a randomized clinical study. SETTING: This study was carried out in different patient associations. POPULATION: Fifty-two patients with hemophilia were included in the study. METHODS: Patients were randomized to the experimental group (daily home protocol of foam roller-based self-induced myofascial therapy for 8 weeks) or the control group (no intervention). The variables were the frequency of hemarthrosis (self-reporting), pain intensity (visual analog scale), range of motion (goniometry) and muscle strength (dynamometry). All variables were evaluated at baseline, post-treatment and after a 10-week follow-up. RESULTS: The patients included in the experimental group showed significant improvements in terms of a decrease in frequency of hemarthrosis (mean difference [MD]=-0.61; 95% confidence interval [CI]: -0.81; -0.41) and pain intensity (MD=-0.33; 95% CI: -0.48, -0.18), increased range of motion (MD=0.88; 95% CI: 0.39; 1.37), strength in quadriceps (MD=0.88; 95% CI: 0.39; 1.37). (MD=12.39; 95% CI: 3.44; 21.34) and hamstrings (MD=7.85; 95% CI: 0.60; 15.11). There were intergroup differences in the frequency of hemarthrosis (F=14.51; P<0.001), pain intensity (F=9.14; P<0.001) and range of motion (F=13.58; P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Self-induced myofascial therapy can be an effective complementary technique in the treatment of patients with hemophilic arthropathy. Self-induced myofascial therapy can reduce the frequency of knee hemarthrosis in patients with hemophilia. This technique can improve pain intensity and range of motion in patients with hemophilic knee arthropathy. CLINICAL REHABILITATION IMPACT: Hemophilic knee arthropathy is characterized by chronic pain, decreased range of motion, and periarticular muscle atrophy. Foam roller-based self-induced myofascial therapy can reduce the frequency of hemarthrosis and pain intensity and improve range of motion in patients with hemophilic arthropathy. Foam roller-based self-induced myofascial therapy is safe and effective in the treatment of patients with hemophilia. The inclusion of self-induced myofascial therapy exercises in the approach to degenerative joint pathologies may be an effective and safe treatment option.

180-degree immersive VR motion visualization in the treatment of haemophilic ankle arthropathy.

BACKGROUND: Patients with haemophilic arthropathy suffer chronic pain that affects and restricts their quality of life. Visualization of movement through immersive virtual reality is used for pain management. AIM: To evaluate the efficacy of 180-degree immersive VR motion visualization therapy in patients with haemophilic ankle arthropathy. METHODS: Prospective, multicentre pilot study. Fifteen adult patients with bilateral haemophilic ankle arthropathy were recruited (mean age: 42.73 ± 12.36 years). The intervention lasted 4 weeks, with daily home sessions of 180-degree immersive motion visualization. The patients were given virtual reality glasses to use with their smartphones. From the YouTube mobile app® they accessed the recorded video with access from the He-Mirror App®. The study variables were joint state (Haemophilia Joint Health Score), pressure pain threshold (pressure algometer), muscle strength (dynamometry) and range of motion (goniometry). Three evaluations were performed: at baseline (T0), after the intervention (T1) and at the end of a 16-week follow-up period (T2). RESULTS: No patient developed ankle hemarthrosis during the experimental phase. In the repeated measures analysis we found statistically significant differences in joint state (F = 51.38; η2 p = .63), pressure pain threshold of the lateral malleolus (F = 12.34; η2 p = .29) and range of motion (F = 11.7; η2 p = .28). CONCLUSIONS: Therapy using immersive motion visualization does not cause hemarthrosis. This intervention can improve joint condition, pressure pain threshold and range of motion in patients with ankle arthropathy. Changes greater than the MDC were reported in more than 40% of patients for the variables pressure pain threshold, anterior tibialis strength and range of motion, which were considered clinically relevant.

Self-Induced Myofascial Release in Patients with Hemophilic Ankle Arthropathy: A Pilot Observational Study.

Background: Hemophilic ankle arthropathy is manifested by degenerative functional alterations (reduced muscle strength, mobility, and proprioception) and chronic pain. Myofascial release techniques are used to treat soft tissue adhesions, relieve pain, and reduce tissue sensitivity. The aim was to evaluate the safety of self-induced myofascial release in patients with hemophilic ankle arthropathy and to assess possible changes in musculoskeletal variables. Methods: We recruited 20 patients with ankle hemophilic arthropathy. Patients carried out a daily self-induced myofascial release exercise program using a foam roller over a period of 8 weeks. The primary variable was the frequency of hemarthrosis (regular telephone follow-up). Secondary variables were pain intensity (visual analog scale), range of motion (goniometry), and functional capacity of the lower limbs (six-minute walk test). Three evaluations were performed: pre-treatment (T0), post-treatment (T1), and at 8 weeks follow-up (T2). Results: There was a lower, non-significant, association in the frequency of hemarthrosis between the experimental and follow-up periods, compared to the pre-study period (SE = 0.50; 95%CI: −1.67; 0.28). There were significant within-subject changes in intensity of pain (T0: 4.91; T1: 2.79; T2: 2.46; p < 0.001), plantar flexion (T0: 125.55; T1: 131.5; T2: 130.30; p = 0.01), and functionality of the lower limbs (T0: 173.06; T1: 184.85; T2: 178.39; p = 0.009). Conclusions: Self-induced myofascial release is safe in patients with hemophilic ankle arthropathy. A protocol based on self-induced myofascial release can lead to changes in pain intensity, range of ankle motion in plantar flexion, and functionality in hemophilic patients.

Approach to Knee Arthropathy through 180-Degree Immersive VR Movement Visualization in Adult Patients with Severe Hemophilia: A Pilot Study.

(1) Background: Hemarthrosis is a typical clinical manifestation in patients with hemophilia. Its recurrence causes hemophilic arthropathy, characterized by chronic joint pain. Watching movement recorded from a first-person perspective and immersively can be effective in the management of chronic pain. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of an immersive virtual reality intervention in improving the pain intensity, joint condition, muscle strength and range of motion in patients with hemophilic knee arthropathy. (2) Methods: Thirteen patients with hemophilic knee arthropathy were recruited. The patients wore virtual reality glasses and watched a flexion-extension movement of the knee on an immersive 180° video, recorded from a first-person perspective over a 28-day period. The primary variable was the pain intensity (visual analog scale). The secondary variables were the joint status (Hemophilia Joint Health Score), quadriceps and hamstring strength (dynamometry), and range of motion (goniometry). (3) Results: After the intervention period, statistically significant differences were observed in the intensity of the joint pain (Standard error [SE] = 19.31; 95% interval confidence [95%CI] = -1.05; -0.26), joint condition (SE = 18.68; 95%CI = -1.16; -0.52) and quadriceps strength (SE = 35.00; 95%CI = 2.53; 17.47). We found that 38.46% and 23.07% of the patients exhibited an improvement in their quadriceps muscle strength and joint condition above the minimum detectable change for both variables (8.21% and 1.79%, respectively). (4) Conclusions: One hundred and eighty degree immersive VR motion visualization can improve the intensity of joint pain in patients with hemophilic knee arthropathy. An intervention using immersive virtual reality can be an effective complementary approach to improve the joint condition and quadriceps strength in these patients.

Hemophilic Arthropathy: Barriers to Early Diagnosis and Management.

Hemophilia is a congenital coagulopathy characterized by a deficiency of one of the clotting factors. It is characterized by the development of hematomas and hemarthrosis, either spontaneously or after minor trauma. The recurrence of hemarthroses leads to progressive and degenerative joint damage from childhood (hemophilic arthropathy). This arthropathy is characterized by disabling physical effects that limit the functionality and quality of life of these patients. Medical progress achieved over the last decade in the drug treatment of hemophilia has improved the medium and long-term prospects of patients with more effective and long-lasting drugs. The universal use of safer, more effective and prolonged prophylactic treatments may promote the prevention of bleeding, and also therefore, of the development of hemarthrosis and joint damage. A number of imaging instruments have been developed for the assessment of hemarthrosis and hemophilic arthropathy, using ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging and simple radiology. Different physical examination scores and questionnaires allow the assessment of joint health, self-perceived activity and functionality of patients with hemophilia. The approach to these patients should be interdisciplinary. Assessment of the processes that affect pain in these patients and the development of pain education models should be implemented. Expert advice and information to patients with hemophilia should be based on individual functional prevention diagnoses, advice on available therapies and sports practice, as well as health recommendations.

LongHest project: A prospective, observational study of extended half-life treatment in the musculoskeletal health of patients with severe haemophilia A.

BACKGROUND: Prophylactic treatment is the gold standard in the treatment of patients with haemophilia. Prophylaxis with extended half-life (EHL) treatment has shown long-term safety and efficacy in patients with haemophilia. AIM: To evaluate the efficacy of prophylaxis with EHL treatment in the frequency of haemarthrosis and musculoskeletal health in adult patients with severe haemophilia A. METHODS: Prospective cohort study. Forty-six patients with severe haemophilia A were recruited. The frequency of haemarthrosis (self-reports), joint condition (Haemophilia Joint Health Score), pain intensity (visual analogue scale), range of motion (goniometry), and strength (dynamometry) and muscle activation (surface electromyography) were evaluated. Three assessments were carried out: at baseline (T0), at 6 months (T1) and at 12 months following treatment (T2). RESULTS: There were significant changes in the within-subject effect in the frequency of haemarthrosis in elbow (F(1.05;96.20) = 3.95; P < .001) and knee (F(1.73;157.99) = 9.96; P < .001). Significant within-subject effect in elbow pain intensity (F(2;182) = 63.51; P < .001) was found. The mean values of the frequency haemarthrosis in elbow (from .66±1.01 to .04±.20) and knees (from .55±.68 to .33±.53) decrease after the period study. The intensity of elbow pain and (from 3.08±1.69 to 2.67±1.73), decrease after the 12-month follow-up period. CONCLUSIONS: Prophylaxis with extended half-life treatment reduces the frequency of haemarthrosis in elbow and knee in adult patients with haemophilia. EHL treatment reduces the intensity of elbow pain in patients with haemophilic arthropathy.

Safety and efficacy of a self-induced myofascial release protocol using a foam roller in patients with haemophilic knee arthropathy.

BACKGROUND: Haemophilic knee arthropathy presents functional and structural alterations and chronic pain. Self-induced myofascial release aims to treat fascial restrictions and improve functionality. AIM: This study investigated the safety and effectiveness of a self-induced myofascial release protocol in patients with haemophilic knee arthropathy. METHODS: Twenty-five patients with bilateral haemophilic knee arthropathy were recruited (n = 50 knees). The patients followed an intervention protocol, with daily exercises for 8 weeks. The dependent variables were: safety of the technique (periodic telephone monitoring), joint state (Haemophilia Joint Health Score), pain intensity (visual analogue scale), pressure pain threshold (pressure dynamometer), range of motion (universal goniometer) and hamstring flexibility (Fingertip-To-Floor test). The resulting values were measured at baseline (T0) and after the intervention (T1). Paired t-test compared the means between the assessments. Effect size was obtained using Cohen's d mean difference formula. The minimum detectable change of each variable was calculated. RESULTS: There were no cases of joint bleeding either during or after the procedure. The results showed improvements after the experimental period in joint state (Mean difference [MD]: 1.38; 95% confidence interval [95%CI]: .94;1.81), pain intensity (MD: 1.19; 95%CI: .70;1.67), pressure pain threshold (MD: -23.25; 95%CI: -26.25;-19.84), flexion (MD: -4.36; 95%CI: -5.70;-3.01), loss of extension (MD: 4.10; 95%CI: 3.01;5.18) and hamstring flexibility (MD: 3.54; 95%CI: 2.61;4.46). CONCLUSIONS: Myofascial self-release using a foam roller is safe in patients with haemophilic knee arthropathy. A myofascial self-release protocol can improve perceived pain, range of motion and knee joint status, as well as hamstring flexibility in patients with haemophilic knee arthropathy.

The relationship between chronic pain and psychosocial aspects in patients with haemophilic arthropathy. A cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Pain is a major characteristic in haemophilic arthropathy. Identifying the psychosocial variables affected by pain can help when addressing these patients. AIM: To assess the relationship between perceived intensity of chronic pain and joint damage, kinesiophobia, catastrophism, anxiety and perceived quality of life in adult patients with haemophilic arthropathy. METHODS: Multicentre cross-sectional descriptive study. Seventy-seven adult patients with haemophilic arthropathy were recruited. The usual and maximum pain intensity (Visual Analog Scale), joint status (Haemophilia Joint Health Score), Kinesiophobia (Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia), catastrophism (Pain catastrophizing scale), anxiety (State-Trait Anxiety inventory) and perceived quality of life (36-Item Short Form Health Survey) were evaluated. The correlation between usual and maximum pain intensity with quantitative variables was obtained with Spearman`s correlation test. Kruskal-Wallis one-way ANOVA analysed differences in perceived pain according to the severity and type of treatment, and development of inhibitors. RESULTS: The usual intensity of perceived pain correlated positively with catastrophism, kinesiophobia, and state and trait anxiety. The same results were obtained when analysing the maximum perception of pain. We found an inverse correlation between the physical component of perceived quality of life and usual and maximum pain intensity perceived by patients. CONCLUSION: Psychosocial factors affect the painful experience of patients with haemophilic arthropathy. Pain intensity affects the quality of life of these patients.

One Session Effects of Knee Motion Visualization Using Immersive Virtual Reality in Patients with Hemophilic Arthropathy.

(1) Background: Hemophilic knee arthropathy is characterized by a loss of muscle mass and decreased strength of the quadriceps muscle. The visualization of movement aims to favor the recruitment of the motor system in the same premotor and parietal areas, as would happen with the active execution of the observed action. The aim was to evaluate changes in quadriceps activation in patients with hemophilic knee arthropathy following immersive VR visualization of knee extension movements. (2) Methods: We recruited 13 patients with severe hemophilia A and knee arthropathy. Patients underwent a 15 min session of immersive VR visualization of knee extension movements. The quadriceps muscle activation was evaluated by surface electromyography. (3) Results: After the intervention, there were no changes in the muscle activation of vastus medialis, vastus lateralis, or rectus femoris muscles. There was a large effect size of changes in rectus femoris muscle activation. Age and knee joint damage did not correlate with changes in quadriceps activation. Dominance, inhibitor development, and type of treatment were not related with post-intervention muscle activation. (4) Conclusions: A session of immersive VR visualization of knee extension movement does not modify quadriceps muscle activation. A specific protocol for patients with hemophilic knee arthropathy may be effective in improving the activation of the rectus femoris muscle.

Musculoskeletal Changes in Hemophilia Patients Subsequent to COVID-19 Lockdown.

(1) Background. The lockdown period due to the COVID-19 pandemic has drastically decreased levels of physical activity in the population. Hemophilia is characterized by hemarthrosis that leads to chronic, progressive and degenerative joint deterioration. (2) Methods. This observational study recruited 27 patients with hemophilia and arthropathy. Knee, ankle and elbow joints were assessed. The frequency of clinical hemarthrosis, pain intensity, pressure pain threshold, and joint ROM were evaluated. (3) Results. Following lockdown, a significant deterioration of joint condition, perceived joint pain and range of motion was noted in all joints. There were no changes in the frequency of knee hemarthrosis, while the frequency of ankle hemarthrosis significantly reduced. However, the frequency of elbow hemarthrosis increased. Depending on the degree of hemophilia severity, there were changes in pressure pain threshold in the elbow and in pain intensity and range of motion of the ankle joint. According to the type of treatment, i.e., prophylaxis vs. on-demand treatment, there were differences in the joint condition in elbows and the plantar flexion movement of the ankle. There were no differences in the knee joint based on the severity of the disease, the type of treatment or the development of inhibitors (4). Conclusions. Because of the COVID-19 lockdown, the musculoskeletal status of patients with hemophilia deteriorated. Joint condition, perceived pain, and range of motion were significantly affected. The frequency of clinical hemarthrosis did not increase during this period. A more active therapeutic model could prevent rapid deterioration in patients with hemophilic arthropathy during prolonged sedentary periods.

Quality of life and its predictors among adult patients with haemophilic arthropathy. An observational study.

BACKGROUND: Recurrent hemarthrosis that begin in childhood lead to progressive joint deterioration. Patients with haemophilia have chronic pain, functional disability and a reduced perception of health-related quality of life. PURPOSE: To analyse the perceived quality of life of adult patients with haemophilic arthropathy and its relationship with pain, joint condition, kinesiophobia and catastrophism. METHODS: Eighty-three adult patients with haemophilia were included in this multicentre, cross-sectional, descriptive study. Perceived quality of life (36-Item Short Form Health Survey), perceived usual and maximum pain (visual analogue scale), joint condition (Haemophilia Joint Health Score), kinesiophobia (Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia) and catastrophism (Pain Catastrophizing Scale) were assessed. Sociodemographic, clinical and therapeutic variables and drug consumption for pain control were collected. Descriptive statistics used means and standard deviations. The correlation of quality of life with the dependent variables was calculated with the Pearson correlation test. The differences in quality of life as a function of the binomial variables were calculated with Student's t-test for independent samples. RESULTS: Physical component of quality of life perceived by patients with hemophilia is lower than Spanish population (30.51 VS 48.85). Regarding the mental component, patients with hemophilia showed higher values (56.07 VS 49.97). Catastrophism correlated (p < .05) with all items of quality of life questionnaire. Kinesiophobia correlated (p < .05) with all items of quality of life except to role-emotional (r = -.18; p > .05). Habitual and maximal joint pain correlated with all items except to role-emotional (r = - .19 and r = - .09, respectively) and mental component score (r = - .16 and r = - .07, respectively). Catastrophism and weekly drug intake were inversely correlated with quality of life. Age was positively correlated with perceived quality of life. There were differences in quality of life as a function of the severity of haemophilia and the intake of drugs for pain control. CONCLUSIONS: The perceived quality of life of adult patients with haemophilia is worse than that of the Spanish population. Pain, kinesiophobia, catastrophism, haemophilia severity and the intake of pain-control medication influence the quality of life of these patients.