Exercise used to be off-limits to people with hemophilia. As late as the early 1960s, doctors worried that something as gentle as walking or a jog through the park could trigger internal bleeding. Today, people with hemophilia are hitting the gyms and playing just about everything except rough contact sports. They’re having fun, staying fit, and enjoying all of the other standard benefits of exercise. And far from putting their bodies at risk, they’re actually taking control of their disease. How much do you know about exercise and hemophilia? Take this short quiz to find out.
1. Exercise can prevent internal bleeds and protect joints.
True or False
The correct answer is: True
The simple truth is that strong, flexible joints are less likely to bleed. A doctor or physical therapist can recommend specific exercises to protect vulnerable joints.
2. If you already have chronic synovitis or another form of joint damage, it’s generally too late for exercise to do much good.
True or False
The correct answer is: False
As reported in Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research, carefully structured exercise including weight training and water therapy can generally improve the strength and range of motion of damaged joints. Just as important, such exercises can help prevent further damage.
3. Weight lifting is too dangerous for most people with hemophilia.
True or False
The correct answer is: False
As demonstrated in a recent study published in the journal Haemophilia, gentle, low-impact weight training can be extremely helpful for patients with hemophilia. Researchers found that 20 to 25 repetitions using light weights improved both strength and balance with very little stress on joints.
4. Which of the following can help lower the risk of bleeds during exercise?
a. Thorough conditioning
b. Warming up and stretching
c. Prophylactic factor treatment
d. All of the above
The correct answer is:
