SMA fatigue mystery: scientists probe exercise limits in 34 patients
NCT ID NCT05518773
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This completed study looked at why people with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) often feel very tired and have trouble exercising. Researchers tested 34 ambulatory SMA patients who were already on standard treatments (risdiplam or nusinersen) for at least six months. Participants did an exercise test on a special bike to measure peak oxygen uptake, and also had a simple, non-invasive muscle oxygen measurement. The goal was to understand the role of mitochondria in fatigue and exercise intolerance, which could guide future therapies.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- What this could lead to
- If this study finds clear links between SMA, mitochondrial function, and fatigue, it could point toward new ways to manage tiredness and improve exercise ability in SMA patients.
- What could go wrong
- This is a small, single-visit observational study with only 34 participants. It does not test any new treatment, so any insights are preliminary and need confirmation in larger, longer studies.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Participants
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34 people
The number who actually took part.
- Started
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Dec 2022
- Finished
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Nov 2025
- Lead sponsor
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Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
Who is studied
The study sample will include 34 ambulatory SMA patients, 17 currently treated with nusinersen, and 17 currently treated with risdiplam.
- Ages
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8 to 55 years
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Not accepted
This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: * Genetic confirmation of SMA with laboratory documentation of homozygous deletion of survival motor neuron (SMN1) exon 7; * At least 8 years of age at time of signing Informed Consent Form (or assent) * Children or adults currently receiving treatment, for at least 6 months, with SMN repletion therapy, either with (1) risdiplam, or (2) nusinersen * Able to walk independently at least 25 meters * Able to tread a stationary cycle ergometer. Exclusion Criteria: * Unable to walk 25 meters independently. * Use of investigational medications intended for the treatment of SMA within 30 days prior to study entry. * The presence of any contraindication to exercise according the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) criteria.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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Columbia University Irving Medical Center
New York, New York, 10032, United States
More trials for these conditions
Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
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