Objective: This study aimed to compare the mechanical properties of upper and lower extremities between children with spinal muscular atrophy types 1 and 2 and healthy peers.
Methods: The study included children with spinal muscular atrophy types 1 and 2 (n=21) and healthy controls (n=25) aged between 1 and 4 years. Mechanical properties of the biceps brachii, triceps brachii, rectus femoris, and gastrocnemius muscles were assessed using a digital myotonometer.
Results: Muscle stiffness values of the right (d = 1.42) and left (d=1.15) biceps brachii, right (d = 1.14) and left (d=0.97) triceps brachii, and left rectus femoris (d = 0.85) were significantly higher in children with spinal muscular atrophy. Elasticity values of the right (d = 1.42) and left (d = 1.53) biceps brachii, right (d = 1.54) and left (d = 1.19) triceps brachii, left rectus femoris (d = 0.93), and right gastrocnemius (d = 0.92) were also significantly higher in children with SMA. No significant differences were observed between the groups in any of the evaluated resting muscle tone measurements (P > .05), except for the right biceps brachii muscle (d = 0.97).
Conclusion: Our study revealed that mechanical properties of the upper and lower extremity muscles in children with spinal muscular atrophy types 1 and 2 differ compared to their healthy peers. Clinicians and researchers may be able to better understand the underlying causes of spinal muscular atrophy and develop more effective treatments by having a better understanding of changes in muscle stiffness and flexibility.
Cite this article as: Kutlutürk-Yıkılmaz S, Çevik-Saldıran T, Öztürk Ö, Öktem S. Casting light on mechanical properties of lower and upper extremity muscles in children with spinal muscular atrophy and healthy peers. Arch Health Sci Res. 2024;11(2):91-96.