AIM: To explore how plyometric-based hydro-kinesiotherapy (Plyo-HKT) would affect pain, muscle strength, postural stability, and functional performance in a convenience sample of children with hemophilic knee arthropathy (HKA). METHODS: Forty-eight children with HKA (age 8 to 16 years) were randomly allocated to the Plyo-HKT group (n = 24; underwent the Plyo-HKT for 45 min, twice/week over 12 wk in succession) or the comparison group (n = 24; performed the standard exercise rehabilitation at an equivalent frequency and duration). Pain, peak concentric torque of quadriceps and hamstring (produced at two angular velocities: 120 and 180 degrees/sec), dynamic limits of postural stability (DLPS), and functional performance (Functional Independence Score in Hemophilia (FISH) and 6-Minute Walk Test (6-MWT)) were assessed pre- and post-intervention. RESULTS: In contrast with the comparison group, the Plyo-HKT group achieved more favorable pre-to-post changes in pain (p = 0.028, eta2p = 0.10), peak torque of quadriceps (120 degrees/sec (p = 0.007, eta2p = 0.15); 180 degrees/sec (p = 0.011, eta2p = 0.13)) and hamstring (120 degrees/sec (p = 0.024, eta2p = 0.11); 180 degrees/sec (p = 0.036, eta2p = 0.09)), DLPSdirectional (forward (p = 0.007, eta2p = 0.15); backward (p = 0.013, eta2p = 0.12); affected side (p = 0.008, eta2p = 0.14); non-affected side (p = 0.002, eta2p = 0.20)], DLPSoverall (p < 0.001, eta2p = 0.32), and functional performance (FISH (p < 0.001, eta2p = 0.26); 6-MWT (p = 0.002, eta2p = 0.19)). CONCLUSION: Plyo-HKT is likely helpful for reducing pain, improving strength, enhancing postural stability, and boosting functional capabilities in children with HKA. Physical rehabilitation practitioners should, therefore, consider this intervention strategy.
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