Influence of wheelchair positioning aids on the respiratory function of patients with type II spinal muscular atrophy

Abstract

This study aimed at determining the influence of adequate wheelchair positioning aids on the respiratory function in spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) type II patients. Twelve patients (aged 7 to 24) with SMA diagnosed by clinical findings and confirmed by genetic analysis, who owned wheelchairs with positioning aids, underwent spirometric assessment - as to minute volume (MV), tidal volume (TV), forced vital capacity (FVC), maximum inspiratory (IPmax) and expiratory (EPmax) pressures, and peak expiratory flow (PEF) - both on their own wheelchair and on a standard wheelchair with no recline or tilt. Results show significantly better values in all assessed parameters (MV, p=0.002; TV, p=0.003; FVC, p=0.017; IPmax, p=0.002, EPmax, p=0.006; and PEF, p=0.007) of measures taken at the patient's own chair, with positioning aids. These results allow for concluding that wheelchair positioning aids may positively influence pulmonary function of patients with type II spinal muscular atrophy.