Effect of multimodal training program on physiological and inflammatory markers in Sickle cell disease patients

According to the national survey of genetic blood disorders, the prevalence of haemoglobinopathies in Oman is 9.5% with Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) and Sickle Cell Trait (SCT) representing two major public health concerns and having great impact on individuals? lives as well as on society (Al-Riyami et al., 2001). Sickle cell disease is caused by a genetic mutation that causes polymerisation of RBCs during Hb de-oxygenation, resulting in a characteristic rigid sickle shaped RBC (Kaul et al., 1989). The rigid sickle cell can obstruct blood flow in small blood vessels, leading to painful crisis, organ damage (Goodman, 2004) and stroke (Serjeant, 1997). Complications related to SCD due to ischemic tissue injury and may result in organ dysfunction and premature death. Patients with SCD often experience painful crises (vaso-occlusion), renal disease, acute chest syndrome (ACS) and other life-threatening conditions. Physical education teachers tend to exclude children with SCD from PE classes due to their health status. It is currently unknown whether regular exercise might have beneficial, adverse or no effect in children and adults with SCD. Consequently, the recommendation of exercise for children and adults with SCD is rare. Accordingly, the aim of this research is: - to provide a general idea of this population?s physical fitness parameters. - To examine the effect of regular exercise on their health. - To examine if exercise can be beneficial for this population.