Therapeutic Scoliosis-Specific Exercises for a Child With Spinal Muscular Atrophy: A Case Report

Purpose:The purpose of this study is to report on therapeutic scoliosis-specific exercises (PSSE) for a child with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) who had spinal fusion.Methods:PSSE were recommended after scoliosis was diagnosed and exercises focused on posture and improving strength preoperatively and restoring function postoperatively.Results:Gross motor function remained stable before spinal fusion, briefly decreased after the procedure, and then stabilized post-surgery. Distance walked on the 6-minute walk test decreased post-surgery but improved after the addition of PSSE to the Standard of Care.Conclusions:Including PSSE as an adjunct to traditional interventions may be beneficial for children with SMA. Evidence supports incorporating PSSE to improve posture preoperatively in idiopathic scoliosis. Its use postoperatively and in children with SMA is not well studied. Controlled studies are needed to understand the impact of pre- and post-op PSSE in children with SMA.