Original Research Article
Year: 2017 | Month: January | Volume: 7 | Issue: 1 | Pages: 163-173
Recommended Physical Therapy Program for Improving Quality of Life for Patients with Sickle Cell Anemia
Instar S. Waked
Assistant Professor of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Physical Therapy, Cairo University, Egypt.
ABSTRACT
Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of recommended physical therapy program for improving quality of life (QOL) for patients with sickle cell anemia.
Methods: Fifty-four subjects were randomly divided into physical therapy group (PT) and control group (CG). Patients in (PT) group received physical therapy program consisted of inspiratory training by incentive spirometry, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, aerobic exercises in addition to medical treatment while (CG) received medical treatment only. Pulmonary functions, pain intensity and (QOL) scores were evaluated before and after eight weeks for all patients.
Results: The results of the study showed more reduction of pain intensity in (PT) group more than (CG), (p value <0.05). In addition the results of the study showed that the pulmonary functions and (QOL) scores were higher in (PT) more than (CG), (p value <0.05).
Conclusion: The recommended physical therapy program was effective in decreasing pain, improving pulmonary functions and improving (QOL) of the sickle cell patients so we recommend it as treatment program for improving health status of the sickle cell patients.
Key words: Sickle cell anemia, Quality of life, Physical Therapy.