Development of a Pilates-based Haemophilia InTervention (PHIT)
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Development of a Pilates-based Haemophilia InTervention (PHIT study)
IRAS ID
252284
Contact name
Charlene E Dodd
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
East Kent Hospitals University NHS Foundation Trust
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 0 months, 1 days
Research summary
Haemophilia is a rare disorder where the blood does not clot normally, resulting in bleeding into joints. This can cause permanent joint damage (arthritis), leading to pain, weak muscles, stiff joints and poor balance. \n\nEvidence suggests that adults with haemophilia participate in lower levels of physical activity than their healthy peers. In the general population, statistics show around 25% of 16-24 year olds do not meet the World Health Organisation physical activity recommendations. Barriers to physical activity include: peer perceptions; and changing attitudes, physical and social environments. For people with haemophilia (PWH), there may be additional barriers to physical activity, including: complications of arthritis, such as pain; and concern that bleeding episodes might occur with physical activity when they have had previous spontaneous or activity-related bleeds. \n\nThe purpose of this study is to try and understand which approaches might help young adults with haemophilia increase physical activity levels and whether exercises targeted at muscle control, strength, flexibility, core stability and balance might help. The study also aims to try and understand whether activity trackers might be useful and practical to measure physical activity in exercise-based studies.\n\nThe first part of the study will involve a discussion group with haemophilia physiotherapists to help develop an exercise intervention. The second part of the study will involve issuing six adults with haemophilia (aged 16-25), registered at Kent Haemophilia Centre, with two activity trackers (Fitbits and Garmins) for two weeks each and an accelerometer (research grade motion sensor) for the same period. A comparison will then be made between the accelerometer and activity tracker data. Two discussion groups will then take place, one with the 16-19 year olds and one with the 20-25 year olds, to feedback on the trackers and to try out and feedback on exercises developed from the physiotherapist discussion group.\n
REC name
North of Scotland Research Ethics Committee 1
REC reference
19/NS/0042
Date of REC Opinion
26 Mar 2019
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion