Sickle cell anemia or sickle cell disease (SCD) is the most common form of inherited blood disorder. Blacks are affected by SCD at higher rates than other ethnicities, according to MedicalNewsToday. Something that may have a positive effect on sickle cell patients is exercise.
Mild exercise is safe and beneficial for people with sickle cell disease, contrary to traditional beliefs, a new study finds.
Sickle cell disease affects blood flow in the body. Because strenuous exercise boosts blood flow, it can lead to heart problems and severe pain in someone with sickle cell. As a result, many patients are advised to avoid all types of exercise.
However, this study adds to growing evidence that low-to-moderate intensity workouts can be helpful.
"When physical exercise is tailored to be light-to-moderate in intensity, the risk of problems is limited," lead author Laurent Messonnier, of Universite Savoie Mont Blanc, in France says.
The study included 40 patients who were randomly assigned to either follow their normal lifestyle in which they did limited physical activity or to take part in 40-minute moderate-intensity stationary bicycle workouts three times a week. The workouts were individually tailored.
After eight weeks, muscle tissue from participants' thighs was biopsied. The samples showed that those in the exercise group had a significant increase in the density of small blood vessels called capillaries, the number of capillaries around muscle fiber, and the surface area through which oxygen and nutrients can flow between blood and muscle.
Previous research has found that sickle cell disease can cause a decrease in blood vessels in muscle. The study findings suggest that moderate-intensity exercise may help counteract this and improve blood and oxygen delivery to tissues, according to the researchers.
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The investigators also found that the exercise group had significant improvements in their muscle function and overall physical ability and that some patients reported improvements in sleep, concentration and social interactions.
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No serious problems occurred in the exercise group, according to the study.
If performed regularly, this type of exercise may induce benefits that improve patients' physical abilities and quality of life, Messonnier says in a news release from the American Society of Hematology.
Which exercises are safe?
You should first discuss your exercise plan with your doctor to make sure exercise is safe for your condition. If your doctor deems it appropriate, you can try the following low-impact workouts:
- Walking/Hiking: Walking for 30 minutes to an hour a day can help tone your legs and glutes and even help you drop a few inches in your waistline.
- Spin Class: A spin class is great because you can get in a cardio workout and manage the level of intensity that suits you by setting your desired bike resistance. It is also great because you can do this in any weather and it doesn't require you to splurge on a bike. It is recommended to get a heart monitor to keep track of your heart rate.
- Dance: Try a dance fitness class such as Zumba. These dance classes are a fun way to get a workout in and much like with spin class you can go at your own pace and take breaks as needed.
- Rowing: If you have access to a boat, we suggest rowing. This is a great workout for your upper body, legs and back muscles. If don't have access to a boat, you can invest in an indoor rowing machine, which offers the same benefits or go to a local gym that has one.
