In 2014, a study has shed light on the benefits of therapeutic exercise and hydrotherapy for individuals with hemophilia A, a condition often accompanied by joint hemorrhages leading to pain and restricted range of motion (ROM). The research, conducted by Vahid Mazloum, Nader Rahnama, and Khalil Khayambashi, compared the effects of these two interventions on knee pain and mobility.

The randomized controlled trial involved 40 participants, each assigned to one of three groups: therapeutic exercise, hydrotherapy, or a control group that continued with their regular lifestyle. Over the course of four weeks, those in the exercise and hydrotherapy groups followed specific rehabilitation programs, while the control group did not undergo any specialized treatment.

The study utilized a visual analog scale to measure pain levels and a standard goniometer to assess knee ROM, with evaluations conducted at both the start and end of the intervention period. The results were striking: both therapeutic exercise and hydrotherapy significantly reduced pain and improved knee flexion and extension ROM compared to the control group. However, hydrotherapy proved to be notably more effective at alleviating pain than exercise alone, though both interventions yielded comparable improvements in ROM.

The findings suggest that incorporating hydrotherapy into the rehabilitation routine of hemophilia patients could provide significant relief from pain, enhancing the overall quality of life. While both therapies are beneficial, hydrotherapy may offer a more potent option for pain management in this population.

Reference: Mazloum, V., Rahnama, N., & Khayambashi, K. (2014). Effects of therapeutic exercise and hydrotherapy on pain severity and knee range of motion in patients with hemophilia: a randomized controlled trial. International journal of preventive medicine, 5(1), 83.