Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis

Question 1

What is Amyotrophyc Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)?

Answer 1

ALS is a progressive neurodegenerative disease affecting both upper and lower motor neurons in the brain and spinal cord, and leads to a loss of voluntary muscle control.

Question 2

What is the primary source of morbidity and mortality among individuals with ALS?

Answer 2

With disease progression, muscles of respiration are affected, leading to respiratory compromise and insufficiency. This is primarily due to diaphragmatic weakness with significant decline in intercostal and axial muscle function. In fact, inspiratory muscle strength is a prognostic indicator for survival.

Question 3

What is the role of exercise in the ALS population?

Answer 3

The role of exercise in the ALS population is controversial. Studies have shown that high-intensity exercise is deleterious in the transgenic mouse model of ALS. However, moderate-intensity aerobic exercise has been shown to be beneficial in both the animal and human models of ALS. In addition, 3 investigations of submaximal resistive exercise for at least 3 months’ duration demonstrated safety while significantly preserving muscle strength with less fatigue and participation limitations in the experimental groups.