Physical Fitness in Children with Thalassemia Major Measured With 6-min Walk Test

Abstract

Background: Thalassemia major is a common type of genetic disorder found in improvement in the medical field, the life expectancy of these children was also increased so there arises a need to promote the quality of life of such patients. A lot of studies concentrate on various aspects of the life of thalassemia major, but no study was done to assess the physical fitness of such children which is quite important to regularize their exercise sessions. Objectives: The objective of this study was to find out the physical fitness of children with thalassemia patients. Materials and Methods: Nonexperimental study designed with 20 individuals diagnosed with thalassemia in major age groups between 7 and 18 both boys and girls. The outcome measure used in this study was 6-min walk test (6 MWT). Results: The mean distance covered in 6 min was 351.3 m on average. There was increase in heart rate and blood pressure after completion of the test, whereas oxygen saturation was found to drop post-6 MWT among these patients. Conclusion: Thalassemia major patients are found with this physical fitness when assessed with 6 MWT.

Keywords

• blood pressure
• heart rate
• oxygen saturation
• quality of life
• 6-min walk test
• thalassemia major