Impact of Exercise/Sport on Well-being in von Willebrand Disease and Other Congenital Bleeding Disorders: An Update

Abstract

Worldwide, one in four adults and three in four children fail to meet the physical activity targets recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO). Patients with chronic diseases and disabilities represent some of the least active populations. WHO guidelines encourage regular physical activity for individuals with disabilities, considering functional capacity and clinical status. Recommended interventions include moderate-to-vigorous activity, muscle-strengthening exercises at least twice weekly, and functional balance training at least three times per week, with specialist consultation as needed. Data on physical activity and sports participation in patients with chronic conditions such as inherited bleeding disorders are very limited. This narrative review updates the literature, focusing on von Willebrand disease and rare coagulation defects and highlighting the need for individualized, multidisciplinary recommendations to promote safe physical activity and optimize health outcomes.

Keywords

rare bleeding disorders - sports - physical activity - exercise - joint bleeds

Contributors' Statement

A.C.G.: writing—original draft; G.G.: writing—review and editing; D.F.: writing—review and editing; M.F.: writing—original draft.

Publication History

Received: 05 September 2025

Accepted: 23 December 2025

Article published online:
09 January 2026

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