Progressive Strength Training in Spinal Muscular Atrophy

University of Utah12 enrolled

Overview

The proposed feasibility study is necessary to test if children and young adults will participate in and adhere to a 12-week, home-based, supervised progressive strength training exercise program and to obtain preliminary data that will subsequently allow us to determine the safety and impact of strength training in spinal muscular atrophy. Our pilot study will address 3 aims: (1) Ascertain the feasibility of, and potential barriers to, participation in and adherence to a 12-week home-based, supervised, progressive strength training exercise program in children and young adults aged 5-21 years with SMA types II and III; (2) Determine the safety and tolerability of progressive strength training in a pilot study sample of children and young adults with SMA types II and III; and (3) Determine candidate outcome measures.

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Allocation

Purpose

TREATMENT

Masking

NONE

Enrollment

Conditions

Muscular Atrophy, Spinal

Interventions

Eligibility

Sex: ALLMin age: 5 YearsMax age: 21 Years

Medical Language ↔ Plain English

Inclusion Criteria: * age 5-21 years * diagnosis of SMA type II or III * at least antigravity strength in elbow flexors * ability to follow commands and stay on task * place of residence within a 60-minute or 60-mile drive of the University of Utah Exclusion Criteria: * planned surgery or out-of-town trips during the proposed intervention period * inability to travel to study center for testing * neurological diagnosis other than SMA

Outcomes

Primary Outcomes

Strength

Primary Outcome Measure was muscle strength. Strength was measured using a fixed myometry evaluation, quantitative muscle analysis (QMA). QMA utilizes a relative fixed point for the participant to exert effort. Each muscle of interest was tested using QMA.

Time frame: 12 weeks