|  | Conditions Treatments | Neurological Disorders

ALS Exercises

ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig's disease, is a neurodegenerative disease that affects a person's muscles until they stop working. Exercise will slow the progression of ALS.

  1. Stretching Exercises

    • A study published in Neurology, a scientific journal, in June 2007 showed that daily stretching and consistent strength training slowed the effects of ALS, which stands for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Stretching will keep your joints, muscles, tendons, and ligaments supple and flexible. Tight muscles will make exercise difficult, so daily stretching will help maintain your ability to move. Sometimes you may need a physical therapist or caregiver to assist you on days that you are too tired or weak to stretch yourself. Focus on stretching areas that are painful or weak. These may include the arms or neck. Simply tilting your neck slowly to the side bringing your ear toward your shoulder on both sides, or tilting your chin toward your chest will help keep your neck muscles loose. Arm circles are another good exercise to maintain the range of motion in your shoulders. Hold your arms straight to your sides and circle your arms forward five times and then backward five times.

    Strength Training Exercises

    • Strength training done three days a week with weights by the participants in the study decreased the decline in muscle function by 12 percent and quality of life by 16 percent. The participants were asked to do only moderate intensity exercises. Exercising at too high an intensity can damage affected muscles, so work with a doctor or physical therapist to determine which exercises to do and at what weight. Stop if you become tired or feel pain at a certain range of motion. Always use light weights and only exercise with a doctor or physical therapist present. Some people may be told not to do strength training. If this happens to you, ask your doctor about yoga or pilates as an alternative to weight lifting.

    Cardio Exercises

    • Daily walking is typically prescribed for people in the early stages of ALS. Walking is a low-impact aerobic exercise that will keep one's cardiovascular system strong as well as provide psychological benefits for ALS sufferers. Walking is gentle, but it will still help maintain strength in the legs, heart, and lungs. Do not walk or exercise in uncomfortable temperatures.

      Swimming and stationary cycling will also help. Be sure to warm up with light aerobics for 5 to 10 minutes to prepare you for more intense exercise, though you shouldn't push yourself too hard. Also, drink plenty of water. You should not feel sore the next day from exercise.

Neurological Disorders - Related Articles