Efficacy Of Isokinetic Strength Training On Functional Performance In Children With Hemophilia

Hemophilia is a congenital , recessive clotting disease featured by cerebra ( The most dangerous ) and musculoskeletal (the most common and disabling) hemorrhages . It is a gender -specific coagulopathy resulting from a factor VIII (F VIII) deficiency in hemophilia A and factor IX (F IX) deficiency in hemophilia B( Felip et al., 2011) Loss of muscle mass is typical of hemophilia arthropathy, There are two basic reasons that account for such muscle loss. The first reason is due to inactive joints as the result of long -term immobilization that hemophilic patients are obliged to do because of continuous lesions in muscles and joints, and the second reason is a decrease in physical exercise by hemophilic patients because of the risk of lesions that they face (Toca-Herrera et al., 2008).

Interferential therapy is a type of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS). Two slightly different, medium frequency- alternating currents are simultaneously applied to the affected area through electrodes. Superpisition or interference between the currents causes the combined electrical current to rise and fall (Burch et al, 2008).

Low amplitude modulated frequencies elicit a "beating" or "tapping" sensation and muscle twitch response, while higher amplitude modulated frequencies elicit "buzzing" or "tingling sensation" and titanic muscle contraction ( Defrin et al., 2007).

Several methods are available for testing muscle strength. These include manual muscle testing and dynamometry includes the use of handheld dynamometers, handgrip dynamometers, and isokinetic dynamometers (Sisto and Dyson-hudson, 2007).

Isokinetic dynamometers measure torque produced at the anatomic joint throughout the available range of motion (ROM). Isokinetic dynamometers. Such as the kinCom (Chatanooga Corp, Chatanooga, Tennessee). Biodex (Biodex Medical systems. Inc) and Lido Active isokinetic System (Loredan, Inc, Davis , California ) measure torque by controlling the velocity of the movement and measuring the force applied via a force transducer (Sisto and Dyson-hunson, 2007).

Isokinetic test record the torque produced throughout the entire ROM and allow for the identification of regions of strength or weakness within the range ( Remauld et al., 2005).

Isokinetic assessment has primarily been recommended for strength testing as maximal force is applied during all phase of the movement at a constant velocity . The isokinetic mode is also safe to use with children because there is minimal risk of the muscle and joint injuries that can results from efforts to control the load if using free weights in one repetition -maximum testing (Mark et al., 2003).