ALS stands for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, also known as Lou Gehrig's Disease. Lou Gehrig was a star baseball player for the New York Yankees in the 1920s and 30s. After he set a major league "iron man" record for starting in the most consecutive games, he was diagnosed with ALS in 1938 and never played another game. ALS attacks the nerve cells that are responsible for voluntary muscle movement. It is responsible for the gradual death of motor neurons. ALS has no known cure, but certain drugs and exercises may help to slow its progression and help ease the severity of symptoms.
Features
ALS causes both the motor neurons in the brain that send signals to the spinal cord, and the motor neurons in the spinal cord that pass the signals to your muscles to degenerate and die. The result is a gradual weakening of the muscles in your body. Eventually the muscles atrophy and you are unable to use them at all. When the muscles in the chest wall and diaphragm fail, your ability to breathe is diminished and most ALS patients dies from respiratory failure within three to five years of being diagnosed. Ten percent survive 10 years or more and 5,000 new cases are discovered in the U.S. each year, according to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke: National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. Diagnosis is made through observation, as there are currently no clinical tests.
Low Impact Aerobic
Performing low impact aerobic activity such as walking, swimming or biking after you are diagnosed may keep your muscles functioning longer. Your muscles that are unaffected by ALS will strengthen, you will improve cardiovascular health and you may ward off fatigue and depression.
Resistance Training
According to a study published by the American Academy of Neurology in June 2007, resistance training may help patients with early stage ALS. One group used moderate weight training exercises three times per week plus stretching for six months, while the other group used only stretching. In the end, the decrease in muscle function was 12 percent less in the strength training group, and the decline in quality of life was 16 percent slower.
Range of Motion
Stretching and range of motion exercises assisted by a physical therapist are important to keep an ALS patient's muscles active. Passive range of motion refers to stretches and movements that are performed by the therapist with no help from the patient. Muscles in the legs and arms are routinely moved through a full range of motion to prevent spasticity and contracture, or shortening, of the muscles.
References
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke: Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Fact Sheet
- "American Family Physician"; Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis -- Lou Gehrig's Disease; Dr. Anne D. Walling; March 15, 1999
- American Academy of Neurology: Strengthening Exercises May Slow Progression of ALS
