Rehabilitation of spinal muscular atrophy: current consensus and future direction

ABSTRACT

Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a neuromuscular disease that requires multidisciplinary medical care, including rehabilitation management. The emergence of a genetic therapy-based approach for SMA has markedly changed the disease course.Nonetheless, currently, updated physical therapy and rehabilitation are warranted for individuals with SMA in the era of gene therapy. In this review, we discuss the physical therapy and rehabilitation strategies currently performed for people with SMA, such as positioning and bracing, supported standing, management of musculoskeletal deformities, stretching, physical exercise training like aerobics and strengthening exercises, assistive devices, pulmonary rehabilitation, and dysphagia treatment.