Qualitative Survey of Potential Exercise Activity in Adults With Sickle Cell Anemia (SCA)
Qualitative Survey of Potential Exercise Activity in Adults With Sickle Cell Anemia (SCA)
The purpose of this study is to assess the potential interventions of exercises in adults
 with sickle cell anemia (SCA) and cardiopulmonary disease; only including the more severe
 genotypes of sickle cell disease.
Sickle cell disease is an inherited blood disorder that affects approximately 100,000 people
 in the United States. People living with sickle cell disease have numerous complications that
 cause significant morbidity and mortality such as painful episodes of vasoocclusion, acute
 chest syndrome, stroke, end organ damage, and early death. Unfortunately, their lifespan
 remains markedly shorter than the general population and this had not dramatically changed in
 the last 2 decades. Adults, are now not dying primarily from infections and sickle cell
 disease related complications, but cardiopulmonary disease is a leading cause of death. The
 etiology of cardiopulmonary disease in sickle cell disease is unclear but studies suggest
 that microvascular hypoxia, inflammation and endothelial dysfunction play a major role in the
 pathogenesis. In the general population, exercise reduces cardiovascular complications,
 pulmonary exacerbations, and decreases cardiovascular death. However, exercise used as
 primary or secondary prevention in sickle cell disease for cardiopulmonary disease has not
 been explored. Evidence shows that exercise in sickle cell disease can decrease oxidative
 stress, lower blood viscosity, and increase nitric oxide levels in both human and mouse
 models, but there remains some concern that high-intensity training in sickle cell disease
 may trigger vaso-occlusive crisis and adverse outcomes. However, multiple recent studies show
 that moderate intensity exercise can be safely performed in adults with sickle cell disease.
 Currently, providers lack evidence-based knowledge to inform the quantity and quality of
 regular exercise training that is safe but also improves cardiovascular outcomes in sickle
 cell disease. In addition, data does not exist on the feasibility and adherence of home-based
 training regimens in adults with sickle cell disease. Only one study has explored the
 feasibility and adherence in children. This study will be a qualitative assessment of
 potential interventions of exercises in adults with sickle cell anemia, only including the
 more severe genotypes of sickle cell disease.
Inclusion Criteria:

 -  18 years or older with a known diagnosis of sickle cell anemia

 -  Subject (and, parental/legal representative, when applicable) must understand and
 voluntarily sign a consent form and complete an interview

 Exclusion Criteria:

 - Subjects who does not meet the inclusion criteria above