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Sports participation and sports injuries in Dutch boys with haemophilia
Author(s) -
Versloot Olav,
Timmer Merel A.,
Kleijn Piet,
Schuuring Marleen,
Koppenhagen Casper F.,
Net Janjaap,
Fischer Kathelijn
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
scandinavian journal of medicine and science in sports
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.575
H-Index - 115
eISSN - 1600-0838
pISSN - 0905-7188
DOI - 10.1111/sms.13666
Subject(s) - medicine , haemophilia , physical therapy , injury prevention , retrospective cohort study , population , sports injury , occupational safety and health , sports medicine , poison control , pediatrics , emergency medicine , surgery , environmental health , pathology
Sports participation in children with hemophilia is generally considered to be associated with increased injury risk, which is generally considered highest in severe hemophilia. Aim To assess sports participation according to age and severity in children with hemophilia and its association with sports injuries. Methods In a retrospective single‐center study, sports participation, injuries, and bleeding data from three consecutive annual clinic visits were collected for young patients with hemophilia (PWH, aged 6‐18). Sports in categories 2.5 and 3 of 3 according to the National Hemophilia Foundation classification were considered high‐risk. Groups were compared using chi‐square testing. Results 105 PWH (median age: 13(IQR 10‐14); 53% severe; bleeding rate: 1/y) were identified; three were unable to perform sports and were excluded. The majority of PWH (77%) played sports weekly, of which 80% high‐risk sports. Sports participation (median 3.0x/wk), and the proportion of injured PWH was similar in severe (42%) and non‐severe (33%) PWH. Sports injuries were rare (65% no injuries in 3 years, median 0/y (IQR 0‐1)). Annually, PWH did not report more injuries (15%) than age‐matched boys (28%). Sports injuries were not associated with frequency and type of sports. Discussion This retrospective study showed high sports participation (including high‐risk sports) and low injury rates. Sports participation was similar across severities and injury rates were not higher than among the general population. Injuries were not associated with frequency or type of sports. A prospective study with objective assessment of sports participation and injuries is warranted to confirm these findings and avoid recall bias.