Platelet Function Disorders Program

ITP and Sports

If your child has ITP, it doesn’t mean it will interfere with her ability to live life to its fullest extent. This includes playing sports and being active. Just keep in mind smart play such as wearing helmets, elbow pads, wrist guards and knee pads or any other protective equipment that’s recommended for the sport, and trying to avoid injury.

There are no formal national guidelines for sports and activities with ITP. These suggestions are modeled on those used by the National Hemophilia Foundation for other types of bleeding disorders:

For many patients, an important choice is whether it would be better to avoid some riskier contact sports, or take medications to raise the platelet count in order to play. This question doesn't have a single best answer. It is important to consider this choice with your child’s hematologist.

Always check with your hematologist if your platelet count is on the low end of any of these parameters for any serious sports playing. Normal platelet counts are >150,000/mm3. As long as your platelet count is over 75,000, it is usually safe to play most sports, just be sure to protect yourself as any athlete would.

If your child’s platelet count falls below 75,000, it is best if she does NOT . . . .

• play ice hockey with checking, field hockey (because of the sticks), or street hockey
• box
• dive competitively
• play tackle football
• play rugby
• play lacrosse
• ride a motorcycle
• play racquetball (because of potential eye injury from racquets in close quarters)
• go rock climbing
• wrestle

If your child’s platelet count is less than 75,000 but greater than 30,000 to 50,000 it is usually okay to . . . .

• play baseball (just not catcher; wear a helmet on the bases)
• play basketball
• go bowling
• dive in the pool (just no high dives or competitions)
• practice gymnastics
• go horseback riding
• go ice skating (wear a helmet!)
• practice karate, Kung Fu or Tae Kwon Do (no kicks to the head!)
• go mountain biking (wearing a helmet or course)
• go river rafting
• go rollerblading or roller skating (with protective equipment)
• go running
• go rowing
• go skateboarding (with protective equipment)
• go cross country or downhill skiing or snowboarding (with a helmet)
• play soccer
• play tennis
• compete in track and field events
• play volleyball
• go water skiing
• lift weights

Most people with ITP can……

• go for a bike ride (with a helmet)
• go fishing
• play Frisbee
• play golf
• go for a hike
• practice Tai Chi or Karate
• go for a walk
• go swimming
• go jogging