PT02 - Patterns of habitual physical activity among Irish children and adolescents with haemophilia.

PT02

Patterns of habitual physical activity among Irish children and adolescents with haemophilia.

P. Loughane^1,^2,*, B. Nolan¹, J. Gormley²

¹Children's Health Ireland, ²University of Dublin, Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland

Introduction: Advances in haemophilia therapies have enabled children and adolescents with haemophilia (CAWH) to participate more fully in physical activity and sport. However, patterns of participation in school settings and active travel behaviours remain underexplored in this population.

Methods: A national cross-sectional survey was conducted among CAWH aged 4-17 years in Ireland. Participants self-reported physical activity and sport over the previous 7 days using the PAQ-C/ PAQ-A and a tailored haemophilia questionnaire. Parent proxy report was used for the youngest children. Demographics, haemophilia severity, prophylaxis use, school-based participation (physical education (PE), lunchtime, after-school sport), out-of-school activities, and active travel were captured. Analyses were descriptive and stratified by severity.

Results: Eighty-five CAWH participated (mean age 11.1 years, range 4-17; 69% severe, 7% moderate, 25% mild). Sixty (71%) respondents were on prophylaxis. 94% had participated in PE in the past 7 days. 47% reported active travel to or from school. At school, 63% engaged in activity during break/lunchtime and 69% after school. Out-of-school participation (evenings/weekends) was reported by 88%. Median number of activities in the past week was 2 (IQR 1-3), with median of 5 activity sessions (IQR 3-8). Walking, cycling, and soccer were the most common activities. Interestingly, fifty respondents (59%) reported participation in at least one high-risk (category 3) sport such as Hurling or Rugby.

Discussion/Conclusion: Most CAWH in Ireland actively participate in school- and community-based physical activity, including active travel, school-based activity, and high-risk sports, irrespective of severity. These findings illustrate both the impact of modern haemophilia management in supporting active lifestyles, and the importance of guidance for safe participation across school and community contexts.

Disclosure of Interest: P. Loughane Grant/Research support from: 1, Consultant for: 1, Speaker Bureau of: 3, B. Nolan Consultant for: 2, Speaker Bureau of: 2, J. Gormley: None declared