Abstract
Purpose: To quantitatively describe passive lower extremity range of motion in participants with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) types 2 and 3, and to establish preliminary thresholds to identify individuals at risk for performing poorly on disease-specific motor function outcome measures. Methods: Eighty participants with SMA types 2 and 3, enrolled in an international multicenter natural history study, were evaluated with lower extremity range of motion testing and the Hammersmith Functional Motor Scale-Expanded. Results: A hip extension joint angle of -7.5° or less for SMA type 2 and 0° or less for SMA type 3 identified diminished motor ability with good sensitivity. For knee extension, a joint angle of -9.0° or less for SMA type 2 or 0° or less for SMA type 3 was similarly sensitive. Conclusions: Minimal hip and knee joint contractures were associated with diminished motor ability. Clinical trial designs should consider the effect of contractures on motor function.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 209-215 |
| Number of pages | 7 |
| Journal | Pediatric Physical Therapy |
| Volume | 30 |
| Issue number | 3 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 1 Jul 2018 |
Keywords
- contractures
- motor function
- outcome measures
- range of motion
- spinal muscular atrophy