Reality of SMA and Physical Therapy

Before meeting Michael, my patient with SMA, I had a lack in knowledge of what SMA really was, and what kind of goals were realistic to set for him to meet. I had no idea what my expectations should be regarding his progress and how to meet those expectations. I was...
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Respiratory Weakness in SMA Most Pronounced in Childhood, Study Finds

Lung function in people with earlier-onset forms of spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) tends to decline gradually throughout childhood and stabilizes in early adulthood, according to data from a population-based natural history study. The study, “Natural history of lung...
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SMA Type 2

Lung Ultrasound Reliable Option to Chest X-rays for Monitoring Children

Lung ultrasound is a safe and reliable bedside tool to detect atelectasis (partial lung collapse) early in children with neuromuscular diseases, including spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), a study suggests. This radiation-free method could be used to monitor lung health...
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physical therapy and SMA

SBMA Seen to Affect Skeletal Muscles First, Not Motor Neurons

Although a disease of motor neurons, nerve cells of the spinal cord and brainstem, the earliest signs of spinal and bulbar muscular atrophy (SBMA) are in skeletal muscles, according to data from a mouse study. These findings suggest that changes in muscle strength and...
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Benefits of Long Sitting Unsupported In a Patient With SMA

When working with a patient with SMA, you will most likely find that their sitting balance is not optimal while sitting unsupported, due to a lack of core strength. While every patient has different strengths and weaknesses, as well as abilities and disabilities, it...
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sma type 2 subtypes

Growth-friendly Spinal Implants May Help SMA Children Before Fusion Surgery

Spinal fusion surgery — a procedure to fuse two or more spine vertebrae — is more successful at reducing spine curvature in children with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) type 1 and 2  if they have previously been given growth-friendly spinal implants, a study reports....
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FDA Grants Shift’s E1v1.11 Therapy Orphan Drug Status for SMA

Shift Pharmaceuticals said its investigational lead therapy E1v1.11 has been granted orphan drug designation by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as a potential treatment option for spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). SMA is caused by mutations in the survival...
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SMA funding

Pediatric Rare Disease Therapies Increase, But Most Repurposed, Study Finds

The number of treatments for children with rare diseases has grown over the past decade, according to a new study. However, despite the increase, nearly 7,000 rare diseases are still lacking treatment. And federal incentives to boost treatment development for these...
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Study Addresses Dilemmas Regarding Newborn Screening and SMA Treatment

As newborn screening for spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) becomes more common, ethical dilemmas will arise about the best treatment strategy for individuals with four copies of the SMN2 gene, a new study contends. The study, "Infants Diagnosed with Spinal Muscular...
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Physical Therapy With An SMA Patient During The COVID-19 Pandemic

With the pandemic occurring around us, there have been many changes for everyone in everyday life. Physical Therapy is an essential medical practice and has stayed open during this pandemic, but there have been changes made to protect us and our patients. We have...
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Respiratory Weakness in SMA Most Pronounced in Childhood, Study Finds

Lung function in people with earlier-onset forms of spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) tends to decline gradually throughout childhood and stabilizes in early adulthood, according to data from a population-based natural history study. The study, “Natural history of lung...

Lung Ultrasound Reliable Option to Chest X-rays for Monitoring Children

Lung ultrasound is a safe and reliable bedside tool to detect atelectasis (partial lung collapse) early in children with neuromuscular diseases, including spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), a study suggests. This radiation-free method could be used to monitor lung health...

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Latest Articles from SMA HCP

Reality of SMA and Physical Therapy

Reality of SMA and Physical Therapy

Jun 18, 2020

Before meeting Michael, my patient with SMA, I had a lack in knowledge of what SMA really was, and what kind of goals were realistic to set for him to meet. I had no idea what my expectations should be regarding his progress and how to meet those expectations. I was...

Respiratory Weakness in SMA Most Pronounced in Childhood, Study Finds

Respiratory Weakness in SMA Most Pronounced in Childhood, Study Finds

May 28, 2020

Lung function in people with earlier-onset forms of spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) tends to decline gradually throughout childhood and stabilizes in early adulthood, according to data from a population-based natural history study. The study, “Natural history of lung...

SMA Patient Columns

My Experience with the JACO Robotic Arm

Throughout my life, I have required assistance with the most basic tasks. Things like scratching my head, getting myself a drink, or picking something up off the floor are just a few items on a never-ending list of impossibilities. Fortunately, there is now technology...
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The Amino Acid Diet and Its Benefits

Nutrition has always been a challenge for my daughter, Ella. And, in turn, it is a challenge for my wife and me. Due to Ella's disease, she has an increased amount of difficulty digesting long-chain fats (meats, cheeses, etc.) and she also has a hard time maintaining...
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