Want to Exercise? Webinar Gives a Resounding Thumbs-Up

Dagmar Munn avatar

by Dagmar Munn |

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Dagmar Living Well

Last week, I had the opportunity to listen to an exciting and encouraging webinar on “Exercise and ALS: A Discussion of Research and Practical Recommendations.”

Of course, I realize that exciting and encouraging don’t always show up in the same sentence with exercise and research, but for me they do. That’s because growing up in gymnastics, followed by many years teaching dance and fitness, my life was always filled with movement and exercise! Then, in 2010, I was diagnosed with ALS. I naturally searched for exercise guidelines and possible routines I could follow, but at that time information was quite limited. Some “experts” even warned against exercise, thinking it would make ALS symptoms worse.

I also discovered that many others were asking the same questions I had. Is exercise helpful or harmful? What types of exercises are best? How much is too much? In the end, I followed my gut instincts and developed a modified daily exercise program that fit my needs and abilities, something that felt good to do and kept my muscles and joints moving.

So, I had high hopes this webinar would shed much-needed light on this topic.

Physical therapist and research project manager Amy Swartz Ellrodt at Massachusetts General Hospital expertly presents an overview of existing research. She also shares specific exercise recommendations and offers simple guidelines for patients to follow. Her encouraging news was:

“Research indicates that moderate exercise can be safe and well-tolerated in patients with ALS, particularly early on.”

The exciting part for me was learning that I had been on the right track all along!

Ellrodt recommended individualizing exercise programs for each patient’s needs. ALS affects our bodies differently and with varying rates of progression. Plus, we each have a unique baseline fitness level.

For example, a program followed by an athlete with ALS would be quite different from one designed for a couch-potato who doesn’t like to exercise at all.

In addition, you need to be ready to adjust your routine for ongoing physical changes and know your body’s energy limits. How much is too much? A good rule to follow is that 30-60 minutes following your exercise you should feel like you could do it again, and the day after you don’t experience sore muscles.

The goal of your exercise program should be focused on maintaining the strength of your unaffected muscles.

During my early years with ALS, I enjoyed lap swimming. Over time, that transitioned into water walking. I now use a small rebounder with a handy safety hoop that helps me keep balanced. Rather than attempt one long, tiring workout filled with exercise movements, as I could do in my younger days, I now break up sessions into several 15-minute routines scattered throughout the day.

I learned quite a bit from this webinar and recommend it if you are interested in starting or modifying your own exercise program. As always, do check with your physician first and consult with a physical therapist who is familiar with ALS.

And, let’s all keep moving!

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Note: ALS News Today is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The opinions expressed in this column are not those of ALS News Today, or its parent company, BioNews Services, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to ALS.

Comments

Sheila Lowrie avatar

Sheila Lowrie

I was diagnosed 2 years ago and it felt like the message I was getting about exercise was rather negative. Don't tire yourself, conserve energy, no weights, etc. I have since learned to trust my instincts and was so encouraged by your blog. In fact I purchased a trampoline with safety bars and am beginning to get the hang of it. I especially like the feeling after bouncing a few minutes then getting off and walking I feel I almost have a bounce to my walk, sort of normal for a few seconds. Thank you so much for your encouraging blog and reading recommendations!

Reply
Dagmar Munn avatar

Dagmar Munn

Thank you Sheila for sharing your experiences with adding exercise to your day. We are bouncing-buddies!

Klaus avatar

Klaus

Why doesn't someone do a double-blind study on excercise vs. non- on a well-balanced cohort to answer this question once and for all? The "blinded" excercisers (and their therapists) must not be told what the purpose of their excercises is for; same for the "non-excercise" group (who is given some comparable-time "non-excercise" activity).

Is there excercise effects data available for other neurology-based medical problems? Klaus in Poulsbo.

Reply
Dagmar Munn avatar

Dagmar Munn

Klaus, I believe it is now a well established fact that exercise is beneficial for and well-tolerated by those with ALS. So the question has been answered. What is being studied is how much and what types of exercises to do and aligning that with the various stages of ALS progression. And yes, there exists quite a lot of data on the benefits of exercise for other neurological disorders.

Paola Terzoli avatar

Paola Terzoli

I have been diagnosed with als 18 Months ago i was a tennis player and a swimmer noni swim twice a week and run al electric 3 wheels bike on the other days i think i got a new balance with My body mind and the Shitty disease

Reply
Dagmar Munn avatar

Dagmar Munn

Yes Paola, we all have to adjust to a "new normal" regarding exercising with ALS. I have written much about this here: https://alsandwellness.blogspot.com/search/label/Blog%20Index
Hopefully this will be of help to you.

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