Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, also known as ALS or Lou Gehrig's disease, is a progressive disease of neurons in the brain that control movement of muscles. While debilitating in later stages, the early stages of ALS are sometimes mild enough to allow for exercise. Learning about the risks and benefits of exercising with ALS allows patients and their doctors to make informed decisions about adding exercise to a treatment plan.
Symptoms
The early symptoms of ALS vary depending on which muscle groups are affected first. MayoClinic.com lists muscle weakness in the feet or legs, difficulty swallowing and muscle cramps or twitching as possible symptoms. As the disease progresses, symptoms become more severe and spread to other muscle groups, making it difficult to breathe, eat or move. Exercise is not usually possible in advanced stages. A patient's ability to exercise is totally dependent on the severity of symptoms and which muscle groups are affected.
Benefits of Exercise
Certain types of exercise may be beneficial patients in the early stages of ALS. According to the Muscular Dystrophy Association, exercise can help prevent muscle atrophy and painful muscle tightening that occurs in many ALS patients. Exercise also strengthens the cardiovascular system and promotes overall health. Science Daily says patients who engaged in moderate-intensity strength training exercises three times per week experienced a 12 percent slower decrease in function than those who did only stretching. For this reason, exercise may be an effective way to manage symptoms and maximize function in some ALS patients.
Risks and Limitations
There is no known cure for ALS. While it can improve symptoms and maintain overall health, exercise does not slow disease progression and is not considered a cure. Improper or unsupervised exercise can lead to serious injuries in ALS patients, such as falls, sprains and other complications.
Methods
While considered a generally healthy practice, exercise can be dangerous for patients with ALS because of problems with coordination, balance and muscle strength. To determine whether exercise is appropriate, ask a doctor. Walking, gentle stretching and weight-bearing exercise are some options your doctor may suggest to help maximize function and prevent unnecessary muscle pain. Start slowly and stop exercising if you experience severe pain or other troubling symptoms, and avoid exercising while by yourself to prevent serious injury.
