Physical activity in Norwegian teenagers and young adults with haemophilia A compared to general population peers. Issue 2 (1st February 2023)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Matlary, Ruth Elise D.; Grydeland, May; Glosli, Heidi; Rueegg, Corina Silvia; Holme, Pål André
• Is Part Of: Haemophilia. Volume 29:Issue 2(2023)
• Page Start: 658
• Page End: 667
• Publication Date: 2023-02-01
• Subjects: exercise -- Fitbit -- haemophilia -- haemophilia A -- physical activity; Hemophilia -- Periodicals; 616.1572005
• DOI: 10.1111/hae.14752
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1351-8216

Abstract

Abstract: Introduction: Limited evidence exists on objectively measured habitual physical activity (PA) of young people with haemophilia (PWH). Aims: To compare different outcomes of objective PA between young PWH A and controls using a commercial activity tracker. Methods: We enrolled males aged 13–30 years with moderate and severe haemophilia A, without inhibitors on regular prophylaxis. PA was measured with the activity tracker Fitbit Charge 3 for 12 weeks. Control group data was obtained from ≈60, 000 Fitbit users, matched on age, sex and measurement period. PA variables [steps, intensities, volume, activity types, exercise frequencies and proportion meeting the World Health Organization's moderate‐to‐vigorous PA (MVPA) recommendations] were compared between groups descriptively and using Welch's two‐sample t‐test and two‐sample test of proportions. Results: Forty PWH A were enrolled (mean age 19.5 years, 50% teenagers, 50% adults, three (7.5%) with moderate and 37 (92.5%) with severe haemophilia). Mean daily steps and minutes MVPA were similar between PWH and controls. PWH spent more time in light PA (mean 227 vs. 192 min/day, P = .033) and exercised more frequently (mean 5.6 vs. 3.9 exercise sessions/week, P < .001). Among teenagers, 40% PWH and 8% controls reached MVPA recommendations, compared to 95% and 100% among adults. The most common type of PA was walking. Conclusion: This cohort of young PWH A on prophylactic treatment had PA levels comparable to controls. Still, a considerable proportion of teenagers did not meet the recommended weekly volume of MVPA, and we encourage clinicians to have a particular focus on promoting PA for this group.