First Use of Non-Invasive Spinal Cord Stimulation in Motor Rehabilitation of Children with Spinal Muscular Atrophy

Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) causes muscle weakness due to the degeneration of motor neurons. This study explores using transcutaneous spinal cord stimulation (tSCS) to help children with SMA who are also being treated with nusinersen, a medication that can improve motor neuron function. The researchers believe tSCS might further activate motor neurons and improve motor skills. Five children with SMA participated in a physical therapy program that included tSCS. The stimulation was applied during physical therapy sessions. The children tolerated the stimulation well, and the study found improvements in joint contractures, muscle strength, and lung capacity in some participants. The study suggests that spinal cord stimulation could be a beneficial addition to rehabilitation programs for children with SMA treated with nusinersen.

• 1
  The study found that participants tolerated tSCS well, with no adverse events observed during the course of the study.
• 2
  Participants with permanent shortening of muscles or joints experienced a reduction of contracture ≥5 deg in one of the joints.
• 3
  An increase in FVC indicates an increase in respiratory muscle strength in these participants.