Effects of Rehabilitation Approaches on Children with Hemophilia: Systematic Review

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Tanrıöğen B., Yıldız N., MUSTAFAOĞLU R.

Medical Journal of Bakirkoy, vol.22, no.2, pp.118-127, 2026 (ESCI, Scopus, TRDizin)

  • Publication Type: Article / Review
  • Volume: 22 Issue: 2
  • Publication Date: 2026
  • Doi Number: 10.4274/bmj.galenos.2025.2024.12-12
  • Journal Name: Medical Journal of Bakirkoy
  • Journal Indexes: Emerging Sources Citation Index (ESCI), Scopus, CINAHL, EMBASE, TR DİZİN (ULAKBİM), Academic Search Ultimate (EBSCO), Biomedical Reference Collection: Corporate Edition (EBSCO), Health Research Premium Collection (ProQuest), Pharma Collection (ProQuest)
  • Page Numbers: pp.118-127
  • Keywords: exercise, Haemophilia, laser therapy, pediatric hemophilia, physiotherapy
  • Open Archive Collection: AVESIS Open Access Collection
  • Istanbul Gelisim University Affiliated: No

Abstract

Hemophilia presents with symptoms such as pain, limited joint range of motion, and reduced functionality and diminished quality of life. The World Federation of Hemophilia recommends core treatment programs, including preventive, curative, rehabilitative, and palliative care, to improve quality of life. The aim of this study is to examine the effectiveness of physiotherapy approaches in children with hemophilia. In this systematic review, studies published in English were identified through searches of the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, MEDLINE, and physiotherapy evidence databases (PEDro). The quality of the included studies was assessed using the PEDro scale. Of 60 screened articles, nine randomized controlled trials met the inclusion criteria. According to PEDro scores, four studies were of good quality, whereas five were of low quality. A total of 295 participants aged 8-16 years were included: 175 had moderate hemophilia and 120 had mild-to-moderate hemophilia. The primary outcome measures were pain, functional capacity, and muscle strength; secondary outcomes included joint range of motion, swelling, and balance and gait parameters. Evidence suggested that, in addition to conventional physiotherapy, laser therapy and therapeutic resistive exercise significantly reduced pain and improved range of motion, muscle strength, and functional capacity. This review supports the integration of these modalities into physiotherapy programs for children with hemophilia.