Aerobic Capacity Lower In Boys With Hemophilia

“Boys with hemophilia have a lower aerobic capacity than their healthy peers, according to study findings published the Journal of Pediatrics. However, the overall muscle strength of these children is comparable to that seen in the normal population. Aerobic capacity refers to the maximum amount of oxygen that the body can take in and use to generate energy --- the more oxygen used, the greater the physical performance. This also referred to as cardiovascular capacity - and cardiovascular fitness is associated with a lower risk of cardiovascular diseases, such as high blood pressure and coronary heart disease. Hemophilia patients used to have a sedentary lifestyle, because of frequent episodes of internal bleeding into the muscles and joints, often leading to inflammation and joint diseases, note Dr. Tim Takken and colleagues from University Medical Center Utrecht, the Netherlands. Since clotting factor replacement therapy was introduced, hemophilia patients have fewer bleeding episode and are able to participate more in physical activities.”

http://www.reutershealth.com/en/index.html