FAQs about exercise and physical therapy for SMA

Category: Exercise

Yes, people with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) can exercise safely. A conversation with a healthcare provider should be done about where to start, and how to perform each exercise safely. Be aware that overdoing exercise and fatigue can cause mishaps such as falls, and to take it slow in the beginning.

Category: Exercise

Those which improve strength, balance, and range of motion. Along with physiotherapy, choose enjoyable exercises. These can range from gentle chair yoga stretches to aqua therapy, adaptive biking, hippotherapy, and more vigorous wheelchair sports such as hockey, power soccer, rugby, softball, dance, fencing, sailing, and tennis. A healthcare provider can speak about exercises and activities tailored to the person with spinal muscular atrophy.

Category: Exercise

Yes, it does. Physical therapy can reduce symptoms by increasing range of motion, and working on balance and posture, muscle strength, and lung capacity for those with spinal muscular atrophy.

Category: Exercise

Yes, they can. Some activities for children with spinal muscular disorders can include aqua therapy and swimming, wheelchair-adapted sports like power soccer, hockey, sailing, and tennis, along with horseback riding (hippotherapy).

Category: Exercise
Exercise will make a difference in overall fitness for those with SMA who are able to do so. However, during flare-ups — which can bring on weakness, and loss of balance — it’s a good idea to change or stop the exercise routine. Consult with a healthcare professional and physical therapist about getting back to exercising after a flare-up.