Program of combined physical exercise reduces the perception of pain in a patient with sickle cell anemia. Case report

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Sickle cell anemia is one of the most common hereditary hematological disease in the world. Among many clinical manifestations, the main characteristic of this disease is the painful crises. Considering the increasing number of individuals with sickle cell anemia in Brazil, the increase in life expectancy of these individuals, who are advised to restrict physical activity, it is important to investigate this subject since exercises have been listed as relevant in health promotion. The objective of this study was to analyze the perception of pain, some physiological responses and the quality of life of a patient with sickle cell anemia undergoing a program of physical exercises (aerobic and resistance). CASE REPORT: Female patient, 56 years old, diagnosed with sickle cell anemia as a child, and in the course of this research did not make routine use of drugs in the control of the disease. On physical and ergo-spirometric examination, and during fourmonth of combined exercise, she did not present critic clinical condition, only some characteristic difficulties such as musculoskeletal pain, low cardiorespiratory resistance, and early fatigue. CONCLUSION: The results suggested that a program of combined and regular exercises produced important changes in the patient, in several aspects related to her health, including the reduction of musculoskeletal pain and increased general physical fitness, contributing to the improvement of the perception of quality of life.