Low Systemic/High Local Exercise Load in Pediatric Sickle Cell Disease
This research study wants to learn about what kind of exercise is best for kids with sickle cell disease. Participating children will have a small amount of blood drawn one time at the beginning of the study. Children will then complete some questionnaires that measure pain, physical function, and emotions (depression, anxiety) and complete some tests that measure physical fitness at the beginning and end of the study. Children will be randomized to either a home-based telehealth (1) walking or (2) strengthening exercise program that lasts for 8-weeks, 3-x week, for 45 minutes each session. Children's participation will last up to 10 weeks.
• youth 12 to 17 years old
• diagnosed with SCD genotype SS, SC, beta-plus thalassemia, or beta-zero thalassemia
• has daily access to an Internet enabled device (e.g., smart phone, IPad) A parent (≥21 years old) will also be recruited for each youth participant.