HABIT-ILE plus Functional Strength Training for Children with SMA
Official title: Feasibility and Preliminary Effectiveness of HABIT-ILE + Functional Strength Training in Children With Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA): a Prospective Single-group Intervention Trial.
Run by Teachers College, Columbia University · NCT07488338 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study will try an intensive HABIT-ILE program combined with functional strength training for children aged 5–17 with SMA who are on stable disease-modifying therapy to see if it improves motor skills.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 5 Years to 17 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 20 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Teachers College, Columbia University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (New York, New York) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | March 15, 2026 |
| Main results expected | February 28, 2028 |
| Study ends | December 31, 2028 |
| Registry record updated | October 22, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07488338 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are children 5–17 years old with confirmed SMA (types 2 or 3 classified as sitters or walkers), able to stand with support, fluent in English, able to follow instructions, and on a stable DMT dose for six months or more.
✕Probably not a fit
Children who recently had orthopedic surgery, started a new medication, are enrolled in another clinical trial, cannot attend the in-person camp, or lack the required standing ability or cognitive/behavioral cooperation are unlikely to benefit from this protocol.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This is a single-arm pilot enrolling children with SMA who have been on a stable disease-modifying therapy for at least six months. Participants attend a supervised HABIT-ILE plus functional strength training summer camp for 6 hours per day over three weeks (90 total hours) with standardized pre- and post-intervention assessments. The intervention integrates high-intensity bimanual and lower-extremity motor skill practice with progressive functional strengthening based on motor learning principles. Outcomes will measure preliminary changes in motor function and daily activity performance to inform larger controlled trials.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the combined program could improve motor abilities and real-world function beyond what medication alone provides.
How similar studies have gone: HABIT-ILE has shown motor benefits in other pediatric motor disorders such as cerebral palsy, but its use specifically in children with SMA and combined with DMTs remains limited and largely untested.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Have a confirmed SMA diagnosis * Be 5-17 years old * Complete all pre- and post-intervention assessments * Understand and speak English * Follow instructions without major cognitive or behavioral issues * Have received a stable disease-modifying therapy (DMT) dose for ≥6 months * Be classified as a sitter or walker (SMA type 2 or 3) with supported standing ability (score ≥1 on Item 18 of the HFMSE) without KAFOs, AFOs, or external standing devices Exclusion Criteria: * Orthopedic surgery within the past year * New pharmaceutical treatment during the study * Concurrent participation in another clinical trial
Where it's running
-
Center for Cerebral Palsy Research, Teachers College, Columbia University
New York, New York, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Andrew M Gordon, PhD
- Email: ag275@tc.columbia.edu
- Phone: +1(212) 678-3332
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.