Integrated postural analysis in children with haemophilia : a comparative study

Introduction: Integrated postural analysis represents a new approach to assess the presence of musculoskeletal alterations in children with haemophilia. Methods: Children with severe haemophilia underwent four postural analysis methods and were compared to healthy children, 1. test of postural tone (PT); 2. anteroposterior equilibrium test (APE); 3. latero-lateral equilibrium test (LLE); 4. podalic support test. Results: Forty children, aged 5–17 years (median 12) with haemophilia A or B (36 and 4 respectively), of whom 21 severe, 8 moderate, 11 mild. They were compared to 40 healthy, age-matched, male children (median 10 years, range: 5–17). Children with haemophilia showed a higher prevalence of multiple disharmonies compared to controls at PT test (60% vs. 22%, respectively, P < 0.002), and more frequent abnormalities at LLE test (P < 0.006). No differences were found at APE test, while more frequent podalic support abnormalities in children with haemophilia did not achieve a statistical significance level (P = 0.08). Conclusions: Integrated postural analysis can represent an useful instrument in the management of musculoskeletal health of children with haemophilia