Effect of Ten-week Lower Limb Progressive Resistance Training on Patients with Spinal Muscular Atrophy Type III
Poster Presentation
Paper ID : 1158-SSRC
Authors
Khadije Sohrabi 1 , Abbas Ali Gaeini1 , Elham Shirzad Araghi2 , Shahriar Nafissi3 , Hamid Reza Fateh4 , Anahita Moghadampour5 , Nasim Shahbazi6 , Shahram Khorshidi2
1Department of Sports Physiology and Health, Faculty of Sports Sciences and Health, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
2Department of Sports Pathology and Biomechanics, Faculty of Sports and Health Sciences, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
3Professor of Neurology Neuromuscular Research Center, Shariati Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences
41. Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Department, Shariati Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran 2. Neuromuscular Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
5Neuromuscular Research Center, Shariati Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences
6Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Department, Shariati Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran
Abstract
Background
Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a rare autosomal recessive neuromuscular disorder, affecting alpha motoneurons in spinal cord. In general, the muscular weakness and atrophy are common characteristics for all phenotypes of the disease. Based on the age of onset of symptoms and also maximal motor functions, SMA is classified into five types (type 0 to IV). SMA type III is a progressive disease; and the patients may lose the ability to walk over time. The advantages of exercising on the well-being of these patients has been observed. Yet, the benefits of lower limb progressive resistance training has not been separately investigated in SMA patients so far.
Aim
Controlled assessment of the feasibility, safety of lower limb progressive resistance training program in patients with SMA type III as well as its effect on the Hammersmith Functional Motor Scale (HFMSE), Timed Up and Go Test (TUG), and also some spatio-temporal parameters of walking.
Methodology
14 candidates, 18-39 years old, were organized in two age groups of 18-29 and 30-39 for homogenization, and they were randomly divided into two control and training groups. The training group received 25 sessions of lower limb progressive resistance training utilizing Pilates bands, Swiss ball, ankle weights, free weights and bodyweight exercises in 10 weeks.
Results
The exercise was completely risk-free and no decrease in the patients’ performance was observed. The training group showed a meaningful improvement in comparison to the control group in HFMSE and TUG tests with p-value ≤ 0.05. Nonetheless, in the step length and time, and also cadence parameters positive yet insignificant changes were observed.
Conclusion
The lower limb progressive resistance training in patients with SMA type III not only is safe but it is also advantageous. Considering progressive nature of SMA, even minimal changes are of significant importance; additionally the stability and slowing the process of the disease could be a considerable achievement. Further investigation with larger sample size and also with longer duration of follow up is required to confirm the findings
Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a rare autosomal recessive neuromuscular disorder, affecting alpha motoneurons in spinal cord. In general, the muscular weakness and atrophy are common characteristics for all phenotypes of the disease. Based on the age of onset of symptoms and also maximal motor functions, SMA is classified into five types (type 0 to IV). SMA type III is a progressive disease; and the patients may lose the ability to walk over time. The advantages of exercising on the well-being of these patients has been observed. Yet, the benefits of lower limb progressive resistance training has not been separately investigated in SMA patients so far.
Aim
Controlled assessment of the feasibility, safety of lower limb progressive resistance training program in patients with SMA type III as well as its effect on the Hammersmith Functional Motor Scale (HFMSE), Timed Up and Go Test (TUG), and also some spatio-temporal parameters of walking.
Methodology
14 candidates, 18-39 years old, were organized in two age groups of 18-29 and 30-39 for homogenization, and they were randomly divided into two control and training groups. The training group received 25 sessions of lower limb progressive resistance training utilizing Pilates bands, Swiss ball, ankle weights, free weights and bodyweight exercises in 10 weeks.
Results
The exercise was completely risk-free and no decrease in the patients’ performance was observed. The training group showed a meaningful improvement in comparison to the control group in HFMSE and TUG tests with p-value ≤ 0.05. Nonetheless, in the step length and time, and also cadence parameters positive yet insignificant changes were observed.
Conclusion
The lower limb progressive resistance training in patients with SMA type III not only is safe but it is also advantageous. Considering progressive nature of SMA, even minimal changes are of significant importance; additionally the stability and slowing the process of the disease could be a considerable achievement. Further investigation with larger sample size and also with longer duration of follow up is required to confirm the findings
Keywords