Exercise for Sickle Cell Anemia
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial aims to determine which type of exercise benefits children with sickle cell disease the most. Researchers will assign participants to either a home-based telehealth walking program (moderate systemic exercise) or a strengthening exercise program (low systemic strength training) for eight weeks. The study seeks children aged 12 to 17 who have a specific type of sickle cell disease and internet access at home. Participants will complete questionnaires about pain and emotions and undergo physical tests. As an unphased trial, this study provides a unique opportunity for children to contribute to research that could enhance exercise recommendations for sickle cell disease.
Do I need to stop my current medications for the trial?
The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications.
Is there any evidence suggesting that this trial's treatments are likely to be safe?
Research has shown that low-to-moderate intensity exercise is generally safe for people with sickle cell disease (SCD). Studies indicate that gentle strength training and moderate exercise, such as walking, are well-tolerated by those with sickle cell anemia and usually do not lead to severe side effects like vaso-occlusive crises, which are painful blockages in blood flow.
Evidence suggests that gentle strength training can be performed without causing significant problems. Similarly, moderate exercise has been shown to be safe for people with sickle cell disease, even for those without severe long-term issues. This type of exercise can help manage SCD by improving overall fitness and quality of life.
Overall, both exercise programs appear safe for children with sickle cell disease, with no major harmful effects reported in previous studies.12345Why are researchers excited about this trial?
Researchers are excited about these treatments for sickle cell anemia because they offer a non-pharmaceutical approach to managing the condition. Unlike standard treatments that often involve medications like hydroxyurea or blood transfusions, these exercise programs focus on physical activity through home-based telehealth sessions. The low systemic strength training and moderate systemic exercise protocols are unique because they aim to improve overall health and potentially alleviate symptoms through regular, guided physical activity. This approach could empower patients to take an active role in their care while minimizing reliance on medication.
What evidence suggests that this trial's exercise programs could be effective for sickle cell disease?
Research has shown that both light strength training and moderate exercise can benefit children with sickle cell disease. In this trial, participants will join one of two exercise programs. One group will engage in low systemic strength training, which studies indicate can reduce pain and strengthen muscles when performed at home. Another group will participate in moderate systemic exercise, which research has found to be safe for individuals with sickle cell disease and can enhance heart and blood vessel health. Additionally, endurance training, a component of moderate exercise, can improve the body's oxygen use and aid in recovery. These findings suggest that exercise, whether strength training or moderate activity, could be a valuable part of managing sickle cell disease.26789
Who Is on the Research Team?
Yolanda Griffin
Principal Investigator
Director-Clinical Trials Office
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for children with sickle cell disease. They'll need to have a small blood sample taken, fill out questionnaires on pain, physical function, and emotions, and do fitness tests at the start and end of the study. The exercise program will be done at home via telehealth.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Baseline Research Visit
Baseline assessments including questionnaires, blood draw, and physical fitness assessment
Instructional Exercise Session
Participants perform one 45-minute exercise session in-person and receive education on safe exercise
3-day Ambulatory Monitoring
Participants undergo 3 consecutive days of actigraphy ambulatory monitoring and pain diary completion
8-Week Telehealth Exercise Protocol
Participants complete 8 weeks of home-based telehealth exercise sessions, supervised via Telehealth
Follow-up Visit
Participants return for follow-up assessments including questionnaires and physical fitness evaluation
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Low systemic strength training
- Moderate systemic exercise
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
University of Mississippi Medical Center
Lead Sponsor
University of Alabama at Birmingham
Collaborator