Single-Blind, Randomized, Controlled Clinical Trial of Exercise in Ambulatory Spinal Muscular Atrophy: Why are the Results Negative?

Abstract

Daily exercise is safe in ambulatory SMA and should be encouraged. We did not uncover any deleterious effects on strength, function, or fatigue. Our study documented a reduction in oxidative capacity and a blunted conditioning response to exercise possibly representing an important insight into underlying pathophysiological mechanisms. These findings also may be linked causally to mitochondrial depletion in SMA and warrant further study.