The effect of resistance training with and without pulsed electromagnetic field on muscle strength and balance in severe Haemophilia A patients

Increased muscle strength and resistance exercises are potential ways to improve the balance. In this study، we compared the effect of progressive resistive exercise versus combined resistance training with pulsed electromagnetic fields on muscle strength and balance in severe haemophilia A patients. Thirty two severe haemophilia A patients with osteoporosis (aged 18-35 years old)، were assigned randomly to a resistance training (RT)، resistance training with pulsed electromagnetic field (RTPEMF) and control groups. RT group performed trunk، upper and lower limb resistance exercises (progressively، as 50-60% 1RM) for approximately 30-40 min، and RTPEMF group was exposed to 30-minute PEMF with frequency of 30 Hz، and 40 Gauss as well as 30-minute resistance training with lower repetitions for 3 days weekly for 6 weeks. Muscle strength based on 1RM and balance tests (one leg standing، functional reach test، near tandem stand، timed up and go، timed sit to stand) were measured before and after 6 weeks of intervention. Muscle strength and balance tests improved significantly in the RT and RTPEMF groups related to control group and baseline values (P < 0. 05). RT and RTPEMF are effective to improve the muscular strength and balance in severe haemophilic A patients.