Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine have made a significant discovery in treating spinal muscle atrophy (SMA), a genetic neuromuscular disease. A new, non-invasive therapy involving electrical stimulation of sensory spinal nerves has shown promising results in improving motor function and reducing fatigue in adults with SMA.
The study involved three participants with mild forms of the disease and used epidural spinal cord stimulation to target the root cause of neural dysfunction. After a month of regular neurostimulation sessions, all participants showed improvements in muscle strength, walking ability, and reduced fatigue. The therapy also boosted motoneuron function, which is essential for transmitting signals from the brain and spinal cord to muscles.
The findings suggest that this approach could be used to treat other neurodegenerative diseases beyond SMA, such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) or Huntington’s disease. Researchers are hopeful about the potential of this therapy and plan to launch another clinical trial to test its long-term efficacy and safety.
According to lead authors Marco Capogrosso, Elvira Pirondini, and Robert Friedlander, their study aimed to address the root cause of neural dysfunction in SMA by amplifying sensory inputs to motor neurons. This approach has the potential to rescue lost nerve cell function and improve communication between the nervous system and muscles, ultimately leading to functional improvements in movement capacity.
The study’s results demonstrate that even progressive diseases like SMA can be improved with targeted interventions. With further research and development, this therapy may become a valuable tool for patients suffering from these debilitating conditions.
Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-02-spinal-cord-electrical-neural-function.html