For SMA, which is true about exercise considerations?

For SMA, which is true about exercise considerations?

• A. Emphasize maximal effort to improve strength.
• B. Scheduling exercise to align with peak medication and monitor respiration; avoid fatigue-induced weakness.
• C. Exercises should be long, frequent, and high-intensity.
• D. No need to monitor respiratory function during activity.

Answer: (B)

In SMA, the muscles you’re trying to strengthen are weakened and respiratory muscles can also be affected, so exercise needs to be careful and practical. The best approach is to plan sessions so they align with the peak effect of medications that help motor function, maximizing any potential benefit from activity, while closely watching breathing during exercise to catch signs of fatigue or respiratory strain early. The goal is gentle to moderate activity, with appropriate rest, to maintain joint range of motion, endurance, and daily function without pushing to maximal effort or causing overfatigue. Options that push maximal effort or emphasize long, high‑intensity sessions don’t fit this disease pattern and can worsen weakness or fatigue. Similarly, ignoring respiratory monitoring during activity misses a key risk factor in SMA, since respiratory function can limit safely achievable exercise.

In SMA, the muscles you’re trying to strengthen are weakened and respiratory muscles can also be affected, so exercise needs to be careful and practical. The best approach is to plan sessions so they align with the peak effect of medications that help motor function, maximizing any potential benefit from activity, while closely watching breathing during exercise to catch signs of fatigue or respiratory strain early. The goal is gentle to moderate activity, with appropriate rest, to maintain joint range of motion, endurance, and daily function without pushing to maximal effort or causing overfatigue. Options that push maximal effort or emphasize long, high‑intensity sessions don’t fit this disease pattern and can worsen weakness or fatigue. Similarly, ignoring respiratory monitoring during activity misses a key risk factor in SMA, since respiratory function can limit safely achievable exercise.