Prospective and Multicenter Study to Assess the Safety and Effectiveness of a Physiotherapy Treatment Through Self-myofascial Release With Foam Roller in Patients With Hemophilic Ankle Arthropathy. A Randomized Clinical Trial.

Introduction: Hemophilic ankle arthropathy is manifested by degenerative functional alterations (deficit of muscle strength, mobility and proprioception) (intra-articular alterations) and chronic pain. Myofascial release techniques are used to treat soft tissue adhesions, relieve pain and reduce tissue sensitivity.

Design. A randomized clinical trial. Aimed: To evaluate the safety and effectiveness of a protocol by self-myofascial release with Foam Roller applied in patients with hemophilic ankle arthropathy.

Patients: 70 patients with ankle arthropathy will be recruited for inclusion in the study. Patients will be recruited in 5 centers, from different regions of Spain.

Intervention: Each session will last approximately 15 minutes, with five physiotherapy sessions per week for a period of 3 months. Patients will be evaluated at baseline, after the intervention, and after a follow-up period of 3 months. The treatment program includes 11 exercises that must be administered bilaterally. A mobile application will be developed where each patient will be able to observe the exercises to be carried out.

Measuring instruments and study variables: digital goniometer (ankle range of motion); visual analog scale and pressure algometer (joint pain); Haemophilia Joint Health Score (joint status); dynamometer assess (muscle strength); 6-Minute Walking test (functionality of lower limbs); Mobile device (Activity record); Finger-floor test (muscle flexibility). At the same time, the study will allow to determine joint bleeding caused by applied physiotherapy treatment.

Expected results: To demonstrate the safety of this Physiotherapy technique in patients with hemophilia. Likewise, an improvement in ankle pain, functionality and joint motion is expected.