ALS, or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, has also been called "Lou Gehrig's" disease. It is a fatal condition that damages nerve cells. As these cells are destroyed, the brain can no longer send signals to the body. This means muscles cannot work properly. The disease affects the muscles that help people move, breathe, digest food and pump blood. The goal of treatment is to slow the progression of the disease and help the patient maintain as much independence as possible. Patients work with their health care team to learn specific exercises for ALS.
Low-Impact Aerobics
According to the Muscular Dystrophy Association, walking is one of the best things patients in the early stages of the disease can do. Walking helps keep the cardiovascular system strong, keep muscles loose and combat muscle spasms. These experts recommend walking at a moderate pace on as many days as possible. In addition, patients can try other low-impact aerobic exercises like swimming and riding a stationary bike. The National Institutes of Health says regular aerobic exercise not only keeps the body strong, but helps fight depression and fatigue.
Range of Motion and Stretching
Doctors may refer patients to a physical therapist, who can help them design a personalized program of range of motion and stretching exercises. These are gentle exercises that improve flexibility and help control muscle spasticity and tightness. Range of motion exercises move all the joints through specific movements to help keep them loose. Stretching exercises involve holding specific positions to help lengthen muscles. If ALS makes it hard for patients to exercise, an occupational therapist can help them find a brace or support to wear while working out.
Active and Passive Assistance
The ALS Society of Canada says everyone experiences ALS differently. Those unable to exercise on their own can perform active-assistive or passive-assistive exercises with the help of a therapist. The therapist does the work of moving the patient's body for all or just part of the exercise. In an active-assistive exercise, the therapist lifts the patient's leg or arm, for example, and the patient lowers it independently. This is similar to doing a "negative" exercise in weightlifting. Having help with the lifting phase can sometimes stimulate the muscle to get stronger. In a passive-assistive exercise, the therapist would both raise and lower the arm or leg. Passive-assistive exercises are usually reserved for times when patients cannot move their body on their own but need to maintain muscle tone.
