The Effects of Individual Exercise Program on Siblings with Spinal Muscular Atrophy Type 3: A Case Report

Abstract

Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) type 3 is an autosomal recessive disease that occurs as a result of the degeneration of the motor neurons of the spinal cord and causes severe functional impairment in patients. This case report aims to examine the effects of individual exercise programs on functional performance applied to two siblings with SMA type 3. SMA type-3 siblings were examined in the case report. The siblings were included in an 8-week individually planned exercise program. Before and after the exercise program, the motor performance, trunk impairment, spatiotemporal parameters of gait, balance and activities of daily living were evaluated with Motor Functional Measurement, Trunk Impairment Scale, GAITRite electronic walkway, Bertec Balance Check ScreenerTM force platform system and Functional Impairment Measurement, respectively. The individually planned exercise program had positive effects on trunk impairment, gait, balance and activities of daily living in siblings with SMA type 3. An individual exercise program that is planned by the functional status of the patient and includes different exercise types is extremely important to increase the functional independence of SMA Type-3 patients during the rehabilitation process.