ALS and Exercise Recommendations

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis “ALS” is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that leads to the loss of motor neurons in the cortex, brainstem, and spinal cord resulting in profound loss of muscular control.

There are two sub-types:
Limb-onset: Progressive unilateral weakness in distal muscles of arms or legs.
Bulbar-onset: Slurred speech, hoarseness, aspirations, or choking.

Exercise Precautions:
It is important to avoid overworking your muscles. Research shows that a weak muscle can be damaged if overworked because it is already functioning close to its maximal limits. Muscles unable to withstand gravity's force should avoid resistance training.

Signs of overuse: Fatigue, Muscle cramping, Soreness, Inability to perform daily tasks, Weakness

Exercise types and parameters:
Given the varied progression and symptoms of ALS, a personalized exercise regimen is essential. Tailoring the program to each individual's disease stage and specific impairments optimizes its effectiveness.
Resistance training: mild to moderate intensity as prescribed by healthcare professional.
Aerobic exercise: mild to moderate intensity as prescribed by healthcare professional.
Flexibility training: Daily stretching for 10- 15 minutes holding each stretch for 30-60 seconds