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Filling the Gaps in Knowledge Translation: Physical Therapy Recommendations for Individuals With Spinal Muscular Atrophy Compared to Standard of Care Guidelines

key information

source: Neuromuscular Disorders

year: 2021

authors: JessicaTrenkleab, JessicaBrugmana, AnnePetersona, KatherineRobacka, Kristin J.Krosschell

summary/abstract:

This study describes the current landscape of physical therapy practice recommendations in the United States for children with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) and their relationship to current SMA standard of care (SMA-SOC) guidelines. Pediatric physical therapists were surveyed to determine their knowledge of SMA-SOC guidelines, and the type, duration and frequency of intervention they recommend for children with SMA, as well as perceived barriers and facilitators to progress in physical therapy.

Physical therapists recommend five key intervention areas for individuals with SMA; however discrepancies exist between the SOC recommended intervention parameters and respondents’ reported frequency and duration of recommendations. After individuals with SMA initiated disease modifying pharmacotherapies, a majority of physical therapist respondents recommended increases in both frequency and duration of interventions. Nearly all respondents reported that familiarity with SOC guidelines was beneficial to their practice.

 

organization: Department of Physical Therapy and Human Movement Sciences, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, USA; Jessica Trenkle, LLC, USA; Department of Pediatrics, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, USA

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