Training improves oxidative capacity, but not function, in spinal muscular atrophy type III

Karen Lindhardt Madsen, Regitze Sølling Hansen, Nicolai Preisler, Frank Thøgersen, Martin Peter Berthelsen, John Vissing

31 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Introduction: In this study we investigated the effect of 12 weeks of cycle ergometer training in patients with spinal muscular atrophy type III (SMA III), a hereditary motor neuron disease with progressive muscle weakness and atrophy. Methods: Six SMA III patients and 9 healthy subjects completed a 12-week training program, performing 42 30-minute sessions exercising at 65-70% of maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max). VO2max, muscle strength, functional tests, and self-reported activities of daily living were assessed before and after the training. Results: Training induced a 27±3% increase in VO2max (17±2 to 21±2 ml/kg/min, P < 0.001) in patients. However, fatigue was a major complaint and caused 1 patient to drop out, increased the need for sleep in 3 patients, and led to training modifications in 2 patients. Conclusions: Cycle exercise improves VO2max in SMA III without causing muscle damage, but it also induces significant fatigue. This warrants study into alternative training methods to improve exercise capacity in SMA III patients.

Original languageEnglish
JournalMuscle & Nerve
Volume52
Issue number2
Pages (from-to)240–244
Number of pages5
ISSN0148-639X
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Aug 2015

Keywords

  • Adult
  • Exercise
  • Exercise Test
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Muscle Fatigue
  • Muscle Strength
  • Oxygen Consumption
  • Spinal Muscular Atrophies of Childhood
  • Young Adult

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