Sports and physical activity for children with hemophilia
Running, climbing, or joining a team sport are important parts of growing up for many children. If your child is living with hemophilia, those experiences do not necessarily have to be avoided, but they may require additional planning and safety considerations.
With the right support and safeguards in place, physical activity, exercise, and sports can be safe, fun, and confidence-building for children with hemophilia.
Why exercise is important for children with hemophilia
Exercise for children with hemophilia is important for building stronger muscles and bones, as well as developing balance and coordination. Strong muscles can better protect joints and may help lower the chance of some bleeds. Regular physical activity also supports healthy growth, greater confidence, good posture, stress relief, and better sleep.
Just as importantly, physical activity gives your child opportunities to play, learn new skills, and feel included with peers. At least 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity is recommended each day for school-age children ages 6- 17.
Which sports and activities are lower risk?
Lower-risk physical activities for children with hemophilia are typically those with less contact, fewer possible falls, and more control over movement. Safe sports for children with hemophilia can include activities such as:
- swimming
- walking or hiking
- dancing
- golf
- biking on safe paths
- table tennis
- frisbee
- playground games with adult supervision
Swimming is often considered a particularly good option because it helps build strength while placing less stress on the joints. However, the best activity is the one that your child genuinely enjoys. An active child with hemophilia is more likely to keep moving when the activity feels enjoyable and comfortable.
Your child’s care team can help make personalized recommendations based on age, interests, bleeding history, skill level, and treatment plan.Â
Activities to avoid that carry bleeding risk
Activities that involve hard hits, high speeds, falls, or contact with other players generally come with a greater chance of injury or bleeding.
For children with hemophilia, these sports often need to be avoided or discussed carefully with their hemophilia care team first. Some activities carry a greater chance of injury or bleeding, including:
- football
- boxing or wrestling
- hockey
- lacrosse
- motorcycling or all-terrain vehicle (ATV) use
- rock climbing
- rugby
Boxing, tackle football, rugby, and wrestling are often considered high risk because of the increased chance of collisions or blows to the head. Outdoor rock climbing often involves more risk than indoor climbing with ropes, harnesses, and trained supervision.
How protective gear can support safe exercise
While protective gear can’t prevent every accident, it can help lower the chance of injury or bleeding. Depending on the activity, protective equipment may include:
- helmets
- knee or elbow pads
- shin or wrist guards
- face masks
- well-fitting shoes
Your child’s gear should fit properly and be kept in good condition. For all children, protective gear should be worn every time they practice or play, not just during games.
You can also help lower risk by checking equipment regularly, choosing safe play spaces, and making sure adults are nearby.
Healthy exercise habits also include warming up properly, learning the rules of the activity, and practicing good technique.
What parents, schools, and coaches should know
Before recess, team practice, or a new activity, you might want to ask your child’s hemophilia care team whether treatment needs to be timed around exercise or adjusted during recovery from a bleed.
Adults at school and other venues, especially coaches or activity coordinators, should know what hemophilia is, which activities may require accommodations, and who to contact if an injury happens. If your family provides emergency care treatment supplies, all involved adults should know where these are kept.
Your child should always be praised for speaking up about pain or a possible bleed, not blamed for getting hurt.
When to stop and check for signs of a bleed
Even with the right safeguards in place, accidents can happen. It’s important for your child to know to pause an activity and tell an adult if something feels unusual or painful.
Even if there’s no visible blood, a sports injury can still cause bleeding inside a joint or muscle in children with hemophilia.
Among signs to watch for are:
- pain or a strange feeling in a joint or muscle
- stiffness or trouble moving normally
- swelling or warmth
- limping or avoiding use of an arm or leg
- pain that continues after rest
- any head, neck, abdominal, chest, or back injury
If you suspect a bleed or head injury, contact your child’s hemophilia care team right away for guidance. With prompt action and appropriate treatment, many children with hemophilia can return to the activities they enjoy.
Hemophilia News Today is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.
