Tag

Spinal Muscular Atrophy

All articles tagged with #spinal muscular atrophy

Knee-Worn Robot Enhances Leg Strength in Children with SMA Under Gene Therapy
health10 days ago

Knee-Worn Robot Enhances Leg Strength in Children with SMA Under Gene Therapy

A six-week study of a lightweight knee-mounted wearable robot providing isokinetic resistance improved knee function in six children with type 2 SMA who were receiving gene therapy, increasing quadriceps size by ~20% and more than doubling knee-extension strength, with MRI and nerve tests confirming muscular and neuromuscular gains and parents reporting easier daily movements at home; results suggest home-based rehab could augment gene therapy, though it’s not yet clear if the device offers unique advantages over other high-intensity exercise.

technology11 days ago

Pocket-sized isokinetic trainer yields lasting neuromuscular gains in SMA

A lightweight portable isokinetic training robot (0.96 kg) provides safe, customizable resistance for juvenile SMA type II rehabilitation. In a six-participant trial over six weeks, users improved sit-to-stand ability, showed substantial gains in knee torque, range of motion, and muscular hypertrophy, and exhibited better femoral nerve conduction. Notably, these benefits persisted after discontinuing the device and resuming conventional therapy, indicating that short-term exposure to wearable isokinetic training can yield enduring neuromuscular recovery.

"Miracle at Last: Infant with Spinal Muscular Atrophy Leaves Hospital for Home"
health2 years ago

"Miracle at Last: Infant with Spinal Muscular Atrophy Leaves Hospital for Home"

Marshall Bowling, a 14-month-old boy diagnosed with spinal muscular atrophy, received a breakthrough gene therapy at Akron Children’s Hospital, allowing him to go home after a prolonged hospital stay. The $3 million therapy was covered by insurance, but Marshall faced subsequent health challenges, including a collapsed lung and a virus. Shortage of home nursing care posed a challenge, but Marshall's emotional "clap out" marked his departure from the hospital, bringing joy and relief to his family and caregivers.

When a $2 million gene therapy falls short: Exploring the limitations and consequences
healthcare2 years ago

When a $2 million gene therapy falls short: Exploring the limitations and consequences

Patients with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) who received the gene therapy Zolgensma are increasingly requiring additional drugs, raising questions about the long-term effectiveness and value of high-cost gene therapies. While Zolgensma has shown positive results for many patients, a significant number have needed supplementary treatments to achieve desired outcomes. This challenges the perception that gene therapies can provide a complete cure and raises concerns about the justification of their exorbitant prices. The experience with Zolgensma highlights the need for further research and real-world data to determine the true value and cost-effectiveness of gene therapies.