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. 2015 Oct;52(4):559-67.
doi: 10.1002/mus.24568.

Resistance strength training exercise in children with spinal muscular atrophy

Aga Lewelt  1 , Kristin J Krosschell  2 , Gregory J Stoddard  3 , Cindy Weng  3 , Mei Xue  4 , Robin L Marcus  5 , Eduard Gappmaier  5 , Louis Viollet  6 , Barbara A Johnson  6 , Andrea T White  7 , Donata Viazzo-Trussell  6 , Philippe Lopes  8 , Robert H Lane  9 , John C Carey  10 , Kathryn J Swoboda  6
Affiliations

Resistance strength training exercise in children with spinal muscular atrophy

Aga Lewelt et al. Muscle Nerve. 2015 Oct.

Abstract

Introduction: Preliminary evidence in adults with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) and in SMA animal models suggests exercise has potential benefits in improving or stabilizing muscle strength and motor function.

Methods: We evaluated feasibility, safety, and effects on strength and motor function of a home-based, supervised progressive resistance strength training exercise program in children with SMA types II and III. Up to 14 bilateral proximal muscles were exercised 3 times weekly for 12 weeks.

Results: Nine children with SMA, aged 10.4 ± 3.8 years, completed the resistance training exercise program. Ninety percent of visits occurred per protocol. Training sessions were pain-free (99.8%), and no study-related adverse events occurred. Trends in improved strength and motor function were observed.

Conclusions: A 12-week supervised, home-based, 3-day/week progressive resistance training exercise program is feasible, safe, and well tolerated in children with SMA. These findings can inform future studies of exercise in SMA.

Keywords: home-based exercise program; neuromuscular disorder; progressive resistance training exercise; spinal muscular atrophy; strength training exercise.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
The average change, with a 95% confidence interval, in muscle strength over time calculated using composite scores of quantitative muscle analysis (kilograms), hand-held dynamometry (kilograms), and manual muscle testing (numerical values), as well as average change in motor function over time using the Modified Hammersmith Functional Motor Scale-Extend (scores) QMA, quantitative muscle analysis; HHD, hand held dynamometry; MMT, manual muscle testing; MHFMS-Extend, Modified Hammersmith Functional Motor Scale-Extend.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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