Sickle cell anemia is an inherited disorder affecting red blood cells. According to the Sickle Cell Disease Association of America, the disease originated in at least four places in Africa as well as the India/Saudi Arabian subcontinent. Individuals of non-African descent also suffer from sickle cell anemia. Currently, no cure for sickle cell anemia exists. A blood test known as hemoglobin electrophoresis will determine what type of red blood cells you have. Individuals with sickle cell anemia suffer tissue damage, pain, stroke and impaired exercise response due to the disease.
The Basics
According to the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute, or NHLBI, sickle cell anemia is a serious disease that causes the body to make sickle-shaped red blood cells that are shaped like a crescent, or a “C.” Normal red blood cells are round. Sickle-shaped blood cells don’t move easily through blood vessels. They are hard, sticky and make slow-moving clusters as they pass through, impairing oxygen delivery, which is important to exercising muscles.
Significance
Individuals with sickle cell anemia are easily fatigued during exercise due to their limited oxygen carrying capacity. Individuals with sickle cells can exercise to exhaustion without complications, but exercise capacity will be severely limited.
Effects
People with sickle cell anemia will always have an abnormal response to exercise, according to the American College of Sports Medicine. However, research suggests that aerobic exercise training can improve their endurance.
Exercise Recommendations
The goal of the exercise program for sickle cell sufferers is to improve endurance. Perform exercises that utilize large muscle groups, but keep the exercise intensity at a moderate level. High-intensity exercise should be avoided in individuals with sickle cell anemia because they can suffer from dehydration, causing sickle cell crisis, or sudden pain throughout the body.
Considerations
Individuals with sickle cell anemia should consume water liberally prior to, during and after exercise to avoid dehydration. Choose low-intensity exercises and increase intensity with caution. Take special note of energy levels and overall well-being before beginning an exercise session.
References
- “ACSM’s Exercise Management for Persons with Chronic Diseases and Disabilites (3rd edition)”; American College of Sports Medicine; 2003
- National Institutes of Health: What Is Sickle Cell Anemia?
