Comparison of 30-Second Sit-to-Stand Test Performance Between Individuals With Hemophilia and Healthy Peers

Hemophilia is an inherited bleeding disorder caused by deficiency of coagulation factor VIII (hemophilia A) or factor IX (hemophilia B), resulting in recurrent bleeding episodes. Repeated musculoskeletal bleeding, particularly hemarthrosis, may lead to progressive joint damage, reduced physical activity, muscle weakness, and impaired functional performance. Therefore, objective assessment of physical function is important for monitoring functional limitations and planning appropriate rehabilitation strategies in individuals with hemophilia.

The 30-Second Sit-to-Stand Test (30STS) is a simple, practical, and reliable performance-based assessment used to evaluate lower extremity strength, endurance, and functional mobility. Although the test is widely used in different populations, evidence regarding 30STS performance in individuals with hemophilia is limited. Comparing functional performance between individuals with hemophilia and healthy peers may provide valuable information regarding the functional impact of hemophilia and may contribute to clinical assessment approaches.

The aim of this cross-sectional observational study is to compare 30STS performance between individuals with hemophilia and age-matched healthy controls. Additionally, the study aims to investigate the relationship between 30STS performance, joint health status, and activity level in individuals with hemophilia.

A total of 58 participants aged 18-35 years will be included in the study, consisting of 29 individuals diagnosed with hemophilia A or hemophilia B and 29 age-matched healthy controls. All participants will perform the 30STS. Demographic characteristics, including age, height, and body weight, will be recorded. For participants with hemophilia, additional clinical information including hemophilia type, disease severity, bleeding history, and prophylaxis status will be collected.

Joint health status of individuals with hemophilia will be evaluated using the Hemophilia Joint Health Score (HJHS), and functional activity level will be assessed using the Hemophilia Activities List (HAL). The results of the 30STS will be compared between groups, and associations between functional performance, joint health, and activity level will be analyzed within the hemophilia group.

The findings of this study may contribute to a better understanding of lower extremity functional performance in individuals with hemophilia and may provide clinically relevant information for functional evaluation and rehabilitation planning

Inclusion criteria

Hemophilia Group:

• Diagnosis of hemophilia A or hemophilia B
• Age between 18 and 35 years
• Ability to walk independently
• Willingness to participate in the study voluntarily

Healthy Control Group:

• Age between 18 and 35 years
• No history of hemophilia or other bleeding disorders
• No history of lower extremity surgery or serious lower extremity injury within the previous 6 months
• No neurological, rheumatological, or severe orthopedic disorders
• Willingness to participate in the study voluntarily

Exclusion criteria

Hemophilia Group:

• Acute joint bleeding episode within the previous 3 months