Living with Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA): How Complex Rehab Technology Helps Combat Its Effects
- Rehab Medical
- Aug 15
- 3 min read
Updated: Aug 26
Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is more than a medical diagnosis; it’s a condition that can significantly change the way a person moves, breathes, and lives each day. While it affects people differently depending on when symptoms appear, SMA almost always impacts muscle strength and independence over time. Understanding the types of SMA and the challenges they present is the first step toward finding solutions that support mobility, comfort, and quality of life.
Understanding Spinal Muscular Atrophy
Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a rare genetic neuromuscular disorder that affects the motor nerve cells in the spinal cord. When these nerve cells can’t send signals to the muscles, the muscles weaken and shrink (atrophy) from lack of use.
Although SMA is usually present at birth, it can appear at any age, from infancy to adulthood. Research has shown that the earlier SMA presents itself, the more severe the impact on muscle development and overall health.
SMA Quick Facts:
Affects roughly 1 in 10,000 children and adults in the United States.
About 1 in every 50 Americans is a genetic carrier.
Around 1 in 6,000 babies are born with SMA.
It’s one of the most common genetic causes of death in young children.
Early diagnosis and treatment are critical to improving quality of life.
In SMA, timing matters. The earlier symptoms begin, the more significant the impact on movement—and this timing also helps determine the specific type of SMA a person has.
Discover the types and how to identify them below:
Effects of Spinal Muscular Atrophy and How Complex Rehab Technology (CRT) Helps
For individuals with SMA, a properly fitted motorized wheelchair with specialized seating, positioning, and electronics is essential, especially as the condition progresses. CRT can be tailored to meet each person’s unique needs and adjusted over time as those needs change.
For example, expandable electronics can accommodate changing functional abilities, and individuals with limited hand strength can benefit from alternative drive controls such as a head array or chin control. Power positioning features, such as tilt and recline, can support posture, relieve pressure, and improve overall function.
Below are common SMA conditions and ways CRT can help address them:
Problem | Solution | |
 Circulatory System | Affects the heart, leading to cardiomyopathy (weakened heart muscle), reduced cardiovascular activity, and increased risks of obesity and diabetes. | Advanced power tilt and recline features help redistribute weight, maintain proper spinal alignment, and promote steady blood flow. These adjustments also improve digestion and allow for full body stretching to support heart health. |
 Nervous System | Impairs motor function, reduces coordination, and diminishes reflexes, making it difficult to respond to physical stimuli. | Custom memory seating positions allow quick, one-step adjustments for predictable support, reducing strain when motor control decreases. These adaptable configurations match the user’s needs as they change throughout the day. |
 Respiratory System | May weaken breathing muscles, increase the risk of respiratory infections, chest complications, and, in severe cases, respiratory failure. | CRT devices can integrate respiratory aids such as ventilators, ensuring essential breathing support for individuals with respiratory muscle weakness. |
 Skeletal System | It can weaken skeletal structures, leading to fractures, hip dislocations, kyphosis, or scoliosis. | Adjustable seating and positioning systems maintain proper posture, reduce spinal imbalances, and lower the risk of pressure injuries. Continuous comfort also encourages movement and activity. |
 Muscular System | Causes weakness in the hips, thighs, back, and shoulders, leading to fatigue, low muscle tone, and stiffness in muscles, tendons, and tissues, which can restrict basic movements. | Customizable cushions and contoured seating options help restore balance, manage spasticity, and support mobility, enabling users to maintain independence in daily activities. |
Although SMA presents unique challenges, advancements in CRT have made it possible for individuals to live more independently, maintain better posture, and protect their overall health. From specialized seating to adaptive controls, CRT offers highly personalized solutions that evolve as needs change. With the right equipment and support, people with SMA can continue to participate in daily activities, preserve their independence, and enhance their quality of life.
If you or someone you know is affected by SMA, please reach out to the Muscular Dystrophy Association for support and resources. If you want to learn more about CRT or how it can support someone with SMA, connect with one of our specialists today—we're here to help!
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