Evidence map›Paper›PMID 41295592›Full record

ArticleJournal of neuromuscular diseases2026

Limitations in activities of daily living in individuals with spinal muscular atrophy: A scoping review and multidisciplinary recommendations for clinical practice.

Marta Ruggiero, Gabriele Giannotta, Giulia Morleo, Maria Carmela Oliva, Camilla Ferrante, Antonio Trabacca

Abstract readScoping Review
In one paragraph

Article in Journal of neuromuscular diseases, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
0citing papers in PubMed
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

0 citing papers in PubMed.

No citing paper in PubMed yet.

4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

6 authors.

Marta RuggieroAssociazione "La Nostra Famiglia" - IRCCS "E. Medea" - Scientific Hospital for Neurorehabilitation - Unit for Severe Disabilities in Developmental Age and Young Adults (Developmental Neurology and Neurorehabilitation), Brindisi, Italy.ORCID 0000-0001-9038-640X
Gabriele GiannottaAssociazione "La Nostra Famiglia" - IRCCS "E. Medea" - Scientific Hospital for Neurorehabilitation - Unit for Severe Disabilities in Developmental Age and Young Adults (Developmental Neurology and Neurorehabilitation), Brindisi, Italy.
Giulia MorleoAssociazione "La Nostra Famiglia" - IRCCS "E. Medea" - Scientific Hospital for Neurorehabilitation - Unit for Severe Disabilities in Developmental Age and Young Adults (Developmental Neurology and Neurorehabilitation), Brindisi, Italy.
Maria Carmela OlivaAssociazione "La Nostra Famiglia" - IRCCS "E. Medea" - Scientific Hospital for Neurorehabilitation - Unit for Severe Disabilities in Developmental Age and Young Adults (Developmental Neurology and Neurorehabilitation), Brindisi, Italy.
Camilla FerranteAssociazione "La Nostra Famiglia" - IRCCS "E. Medea" - Scientific Hospital for Neurorehabilitation - Unit for Severe Disabilities in Developmental Age and Young Adults (Developmental Neurology and Neurorehabilitation), Brindisi, Italy.
Antonio TrabaccaScientific Institute IRCCS. "E. Medea", Scientific Direction, Bosisio Parini (LC), Italy.ORCID 0000-0003-3165-0105

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

objectiveThis scoping review aims to explore and map the most frequently reported limitations in activities of daily living (ADLs) among individuals with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), with the goal of informing clinical assessment and multidisciplinary care strategies.

methodsThe review followed the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) methodology for scoping reviews and adhered to the PRISMA-ScR reporting guidelines. A comprehensive search was conducted across PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Embase up to December 2024. Eligible studies included qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-methods designs that reported ADL limitations in individuals with any SMA subtype. Data were extracted and descriptively synthesized, with additional input from a multidisciplinary rehabilitation team to provide practical clinical recommendations.

resultsSixteen studies were included, encompassing a wide range of methodologies and SMA types. The most frequently reported ADL limitations included mobility (e.g., walking, transferring, climbing stairs) and self-care tasks (e.g., dressing, toileting, feeding). Upper limb function and instrumental ADLs, such as cooking, writing, and technology use, were less frequently assessed but emerged as important in maintaining autonomy, particularly in adults. Recent studies post-gene therapy demonstrates a broader focus on daily functioning and patient-reported outcomes. A multidisciplinary framework outlining domain-specific interventions and professional roles was developed based on the extracted data.

conclusionsWhile mobility remains central to SMA-related disability, this review highlights the substantial burden of self-care and upper limb limitations. Findings support a shift toward more comprehensive, patient-centered assessment and rehabilitation approaches in SMA care.

Indexed as

Activities of Daily LivingMuscular Atrophy, SpinalHumansactivities of daily livingfunctional limitationsmobilityself-carespinal muscular atrophy

Identifiers

PMID41295592
PMCPMC13434903

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Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.