On 11 November 2023, the Jardins de la Maternitat in Barcelona hosted the PKU and Sport Day, an event aimed at adolescent and adult patients with phenylketonuria (PKU). The event focused on the benefits of physical activity for the physical and emotional well-being of individuals affected by this rare metabolic disorder, which affects approximately 1 in 15,000 newborns in Spain.
The event, organized in collaboration with the Associació de Diabetis de Catalunya (ADC), provided participants with the opportunity to take part in a personal trainer-led physical activity session. Capillary blood samples were collected both at baseline and after exercise to analyze the impact of physical activity on the “amino acid balance” associated with PKU. This initiative aimed to enhance understanding of the connection between exercise and metabolism in patients with this condition.
Participants enjoyed low-protein snacks provided by Estación Vegana, which were ideal for post-exercise recovery. Additionally, they had the opportunity to visit the Inherited Metabolic Disorders Laboratory at Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, where periodic patient monitoring is carried out.
The success of the event was made possible thanks to the support of organizations, patient associations, and the pharmaceutical industry. Initiatives like this not only raise awareness about rare disorders but also contribute to improving the quality of life of individuals affected by PKU and other metabolic conditions.