Assessment of physical fitness in children with beta-thalassemia major: A comparative study

Abstract

Purpose: The aim of this study is to measure physical fitness in patients with beta-thalassemia major, which results in musculoskeletal changes. Materials and methods: This study was carried out between March 2002 and January 2003. A total of forty-five patients with beta-thalassemia major, undergoing regular blood transfusions and iron chelation therapy, aged 7 and 17 years were included in the study and were compared with 45 normal healthy subjects. Eight physical fitness test items based on the literature were used to evaluate both thalassemic patients and healthy subjects individually by three trained physical therapists in a school gym. The physical fitness tests consisted of balance, flexibility, muscle strength, muscular endurance, and speed parameters of the health related physical fitness. Results: Beta-thalassemia major patients had significantly decreased physical fitness tests' scores compared with healthy subjects (p<0.05). Female thalassemic patients had significantly better results than male thalassemic patients (p<0.05). Conclusion: The results showed that beta-thalassemia major might result in decreased physical. fitness capacity. In conclusion, it is important to utilize physical fitness test to assess physical changes in patients with beta-thalassemia with the aim of improving their quality of life by means of treating their musculoskeletal abnormalities.