Spinal bracing and lung function in type-2 spinal muscular atrophy.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Respiratory muscle weakness associated with scoliosis in type-2 spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) leads to respiratory impairment. Spinal brace, generally utilized to slow scoliosis progression and support sitting, could worsen lung function and hamper cough maneuvers.

CASE SERIES:

Six home-treated type-2 SMA children (aged 6-15 years, subtype 2.1-2.5) were assessed to evaluate time-dependent influence of "static-balanced brace" on pulmonary function. Lung function tests, including peak expiratory flow (PEF), peak cough flow (PCF), maximal static inspiratory pressure (MIP), maximal static expiratory pressure (MEP), forced vital capacity (FVC), were performed. PEF, MEP, FVC parameters were higher in tests after wearing braces three-hours, PCF slightly higher and MIP slightly lower compared to upon awakening values.

CLINICAL REHABILITATION IMPACT:

"Static-balanced brace" did not impair lung function in our sample of six type-2 SMA children; in addition, it seemed to support cough maneuvers. Double assessment is determinant for decisions concerning use/non-use of brace differently from the usual one time evaluation procedure (base level compared to level wearing brace).

• Authors: Chiara Di Pede, Eleonora Salamon, Matteo Motta, Caterina Agosto, Franca Benini, Adriano Ferrari
• Journal: European journal of physical and rehabilitation medicine (Eur J Phys Rehabil Med) Vol. 55 Issue 4 Pg. 505-509 (Aug 2019) ISSN: 1973-9095 [Electronic] Italy
• PMID: 29687968 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Topics

• Adolescent
• Braces
• Child
• Cohort Studies
• Female
• Humans
• Male
• Posture
• Pulmonary Ventilation (physiology)
• Spinal Muscular Atrophies of Childhood (physiopathology, rehabilitation)