Evaluation of a Long-term Endurance Training Program in Patients With Sickle Cell Disease: Benefits on Clinical Profile, Physical Fitness and Quality of Life of Patients
Sickle cell disease (SCD), the most common genetic disease worldwide and in France, is an inherited haemoglobinopathy characterised by chronic haemolytic anaemia, vaso-occlusive crisis (VOC), acute pain, and multi-organ damage. Due to anaemia and multiple pulmonary, cardiac, endothelial, muscle, and metabolic dysfunctions, fatigue and poor physical capacity are common in SCD patients and constitute the primary reason for a sedentary lifestyle. However, recent findings demonstrated in the first randomised, controlled, and prospective study implementing endurance training in SCD that, when adequately calibrated, regular moderate-intensity endurance training is not only safe but also beneficial for patients (primary outcome: improvement of physical ability). This pivotal randomised, controlled, prospective study is designed to prove, on a large multicentre cohort, adult and paediatric, including patients with complications and over a longer period (one year). The objective of the study is to demonstrate the efficacy of participating in a program of regular physical activity to reduce the rate of vaso-occlusive crises requiring hospitalisation and to improve physical ability in patients with SCD.
• Aged over 15 years and 3 months
• Male or female
• Patients with sickle cell disease (HbSS or HbS-βthal0)
• Affiliated to a social security system
• Having freely given their written consent after having been informed of the purpose, the procedure and the potential risks involved
• Patients in stabilised condition at the start of the experiment: at least 1 month after an acute chronic event or at least 3 months after a blood transfusion.
• Patients hospitalised for vaso-occlusive crisis at least once in the last 3 years