BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to survey the effects an exercise therapy program on joint range of motion (ROM), aerobic fitness, and anxiety of hemophilia A patients. METHODS: This study included 20 male hemophilia A patients (age 22.55 +/- 8.07 years; height 172.17 +/- 12.42 cm, weight 60.88 +/- 12.88 kg). After filling consent forms by subjects, pretests were performed during 1 week. The subjects were then randomly allocated into two groups. The experimental group participated in a selected exercise therapy program 3 times a week for 8 weeks. Finally, all tests were repeated as posttests. Descriptive statistics (mean and standard deviation) and inferential statistics including paired sample t-test and analysis of covariance were used to analyze data. The significance level was considered as p < 0.05. FINDINGS: Our results showed significant improvements in joints (ankle, knee, hip, shoulder, and elbow) ROM, aerobic fitness, and anxiety of the experimental group after participating in the exercise therapy program (p < 0.05). Moreover, comparisons between groups showed significant differences in joints ROM, aerobic fitness, and anxiety between the experimental and control groups after the intervention (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Correctly designed and performed physical activities can improve levels of physical and psychological factors in hemophilia patients. They should thus be considered seriously as a part of treatment for these patients.

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