Table 1. Summary of recommendations for athletic participation by patients with a bleeding disorder.

Establish care and regular follow-up with a hematologist and a primary-care physician

Receive factor prophylaxis per current recommendations with appropriate supervision

For children over the age of 6, we recommend a minimum of 60 min of exercise per day

Children should, in general, not be excluded from organized physical activities

For adults, recommend a minimum of 150 min of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise in addition to muscle-strengthening exercise

Ensure a pre-participation visit with the patient’s hematologist regarding potential activities and review of the proper precautions

Assess the patient’s fitness status and ability to participate safely in athletic activities. May utilize the “think once, think twice” method to assess interest in and competency for participating in a chosen activity

Recommend activities reviewed as “safe” or “moderate” by the NHF and activities mentioned by the Canadian Hemophilia Society and World Federation of Hemophilia

NHF, National Hemophilia Foundation.