The Effect of Physiotherapy Program on Hip Pain and Postural Control in Adolescents with Sickle Cell Disease

Abstract

Background: Sickle cell disease (SCD) is one of the most known genetic diseases in Saudi Arabia. With a common complication found to be the avascular necrosis (AVN) of the femoral head by 27% in eastern province. This avascular necrosis causes distraction of the hip joint; pain; and other complications.Objectives: the aim of this study was to measure the effect of physiotherapy program on pain intensity and postural stability in sickle cell disease adolescents with hip avascular necrosis.Methods: 21 participants who are aged between 10 to 18 years old and known to have Sickle cell disease with hip avascular necrosis were recruited. Measurements were taken at baseline and at the end of the treatment program. Wong-Baker FACES pain rating scale was use to evaluate the pain intensity. Biodex Balance System was used to evaluate the Overall stability index. Manual goniometer was use to evaluate the range of motion. Manual muscle testing was used to evaluate the muscle power. The statistical outcome differences within the group analysis was measured using paired t-test. Wilcoxon signed rank test was used to measure the differences within the group analysis for non-parametric variables.Results: All participants showed significant statistical differences in pain intensity; Overall stability index at level 6; range of motion; and muscle power. However; overall stability index at level 12 post-test result was better than the pre-test result; but it did not give a significant statistical difference. Conclusion:Physiotherapy program proved to be an effective method to improve the pain intensity and postural stability in sickle cell disease patients with hip avascular necrosis. Furthermore; improvement of range of motion and muscle power will improve or limit the related complications.