Introduction:

Joint affection is a frequent complication of hemophilia. Virtual reality programs offer the patient a dynamic plan with maximum functional benefit. The objective of this work is to evaluate the effect of a rehabilitation program combined with conventional therapy and virtual reality on joint function, in patients with hemophilic arthropathy and the impact on the gait.

Material and methods:

Eleven pediatric patients with hemophilia and history of hemophilic arthropathy grade I or II were evaluated. An 8-week rehabilitation program was carried out with Xbox KinectTM and mechanotherapy. Movement analysis laboratory to evaluate the gait pattern and the Joint Health Scale was performed at the beginning and end of the program.

Results:

A reduction of 50% (p = 0.000), 68% (p = 0.016) and 48% (p = 0.000) were observed in the Total Joint Health score (STA), Global Gait Score (PMG) and Total Score of the Joint Health Scale (P-HJHS-T) respectively. There is a decrease in the support phase and right stride, and increase in cadence, step length, left stride and swing phase.

Conclusions:

The overall improvement of the patients makes us conclude that this pilot study opens a window of opportunity to continue the study of an integral rehabilitation program based on the use of virtual reality in pediatric patients with hemophilic arthropathy.