What are some recommendations for physical activity for patients with ALS?
Answer
Special equipment can enhance patients' independence and safety throughout the course of ALS. For the acute phase, gentle low-impact aerobic exercise such as walking, swimming, and stationary bicycling can strengthen unaffected muscles, improve cardiovascular health and help patients fight fatigue and depression. For the middle phase, ROM and stretching exercises can help prevent spasticity and contracture of muscles. For the middle and advanced phase, devices such as splints, ramps, braces, walkers, and wheelchairs that help patients conserve energy and remain mobile are important.
Jennifaye V. Brown, PhD, PT, NCS
Jennifaye V. Brown, PT, PhD, NCS has a BA-Psychology (Emory University), a MS- Physical Therapy (University of Miami-FL) and a PhD-Exercise Science (University of South Carolina). Dr. Brown has 27 years of clinical experience focused in neurorehabilitation across the continuum of care and has presented numerous continuing education courses on adult neurologic assessment and treatment intervention for acquired brain injury. Dr. Brown’s special interests and extensive clinical background include gait analysis and training. Her approach to effective gait analysis and treatment is to know the lesion site, understand neuroanatomical functions and along with past medical history, environmental, psychosocial and cultural factors, determine prognosis and devise realistic goals reflective of the client and caregiver’s lived experiences. She is the creative force behind the Stroke Gait Center, which is a collaborative effort to partner with healthcare professionals to fabricate AFOs (specializing in accommodating ladies’ footwear) utilizing 3D printing based on a full spectrum gait-related physical therapy evaluation. Her current research agenda explores the perceptions and opinions of individuals with stroke regarding their experiences with AFO fabrication, modification and maintenance. As an Advanced Credentialed Clinical Instructor by the Clinical Instructor Education Board and a three 10-year term board certified neurologic clinical specialist by the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties (ABPTS) of the APTA, Dr. Brown has taught at PT and PTA programs in Georgia and South Carolina (SC). She is a member of the APTA, Neurology Section of the APTA, SC Chapter of the APTA, American Heart Association/American Stroke Association, Aerobics & Fitness Association of America, and the Neuro-Developmental Treatment Association. Dr. Brown is currently an Assistant Clinical Professor at Ohio University in the Physical Therapy Program.
Related Courses
1https://www.physicaltherapy.com/pt-ceus/course/fabrication-of-a-training-afo-3119Fabrication of a Training AFOResearch indicated that in inpatient rehab "The largest percentage of time in physical therapy sessions was spent on gait activities" (Jette, et al., Physical Therapy, 2005; 85(3): 238-248, p. 241). Ankle foot orthotics (AFOs) are not issued in inpatient rehab due to the costs and interim interventions such as stabilizing the foot with an ace bandage are not adequate. Facilities do not have access to pre-fabricated AFOs or electrical stimulation units now being used as walking aides to replace AFOs. Focused rigidity casting is widely used in the orthopedic population and can be applied to the neurologic population. This course will provide insight on the use of focused rigidity casting to fabricate training an AFO. This course is directly related to the practice of physical therapy and is therefore appropriate for the PT and PTA.auditory, textual, visual
Research indicated that in inpatient rehab "The largest percentage of time in physical therapy sessions was spent on gait activities" (Jette, et al., Physical Therapy, 2005; 85(3): 238-248, p. 241). Ankle foot orthotics (AFOs) are not issued in inpatient rehab due to the costs and interim interventions such as stabilizing the foot with an ace bandage are not adequate. Facilities do not have access to pre-fabricated AFOs or electrical stimulation units now being used as walking aides to replace AFOs. Focused rigidity casting is widely used in the orthopedic population and can be applied to the neurologic population. This course will provide insight on the use of focused rigidity casting to fabricate training an AFO. This course is directly related to the practice of physical therapy and is therefore appropriate for the PT and PTA.
2https://www.physicaltherapy.com/pt-ceus/course/physical-therapy-examination-for-ankle-2946Physical Therapy Examination for an Ankle Foot OrthosisVery little research exists documenting the practice and evidence of the physical therapist’s role in recommending an ankle foot orthosis (AFO). The comprehensive examination should be patient-centered and collaborative in nature with the orthotist, but is often absent in rehabilitation practice. This course will review components of a physical therapy AFO examination as presented in the literature and provide evidence of what should be included, deleted or modified based patient impairments, social determinants of health and the presenter's experiences in AFO fabrication. This course is directly related to the practice of physical therapy and is therefore appropriate for the PT and PTA.auditory, textual, visual
Very little research exists documenting the practice and evidence of the physical therapist’s role in recommending an ankle foot orthosis (AFO). The comprehensive examination should be patient-centered and collaborative in nature with the orthotist, but is often absent in rehabilitation practice. This course will review components of a physical therapy AFO examination as presented in the literature and provide evidence of what should be included, deleted or modified based patient impairments, social determinants of health and the presenter's experiences in AFO fabrication. This course is directly related to the practice of physical therapy and is therefore appropriate for the PT and PTA.
3https://www.physicaltherapy.com/pt-ceus/course/put-down-drugs-evidence-based-3072Put Down the Drugs: Evidence-Based Interventions to Reduce Unwanted Behaviors with DementiaPTs can apply evidence-based interventions to improve dementia care. This session reviews the etiology of common behaviors. Cognitive-emotion, multi-sensory, animal-assisted, and exercise interventions to reduce agitation are discussed as well as specific strategies for improving task-related engagement. This course is directly related to the practice of physical therapy and is therefore appropriate for the PT and PTA.auditory, textual, visual
'Very comprehensive, from the etiology of behavioral disorders/and sxs to interventions (cognitive, multi-sensory, animal-assisted, exercise), and targeting specific behaviors with interventions (agitation, wandering)'Read Reviews
PTs can apply evidence-based interventions to improve dementia care. This session reviews the etiology of common behaviors. Cognitive-emotion, multi-sensory, animal-assisted, and exercise interventions to reduce agitation are discussed as well as specific strategies for improving task-related engagement. This course is directly related to the practice of physical therapy and is therefore appropriate for the PT and PTA.
4https://www.physicaltherapy.com/pt-ceus/course/complex-and-chronic-impairment-in-4353Complex and Chronic Impairment in ConcussionThis webinar will include an exploration of the various etiologies of dysfunction following mTBI, including, headache, visual/oculomotor impairment, chronic dizziness, and pain. The challenging issue of prioritizing intervention and appropriate referral to other medical practitioners will be discussed. This course is directly related to the practice of physical therapy and athletic training and is therefore appropriate for the PT/PTA and AT. Editor's Note: Regarding Pennsylvania credits, this course is approved by the PA State Board of Physical Therapy for .5 hour of general and 1.5 hour of Direct Access CE credit.auditory, textual, visual
This webinar will include an exploration of the various etiologies of dysfunction following mTBI, including, headache, visual/oculomotor impairment, chronic dizziness, and pain. The challenging issue of prioritizing intervention and appropriate referral to other medical practitioners will be discussed. This course is directly related to the practice of physical therapy and athletic training and is therefore appropriate for the PT/PTA and AT.
Editor's Note: Regarding Pennsylvania credits, this course is approved by the PA State Board of Physical Therapy for .5 hour of general and 1.5 hour of Direct Access CE credit.
5https://www.physicaltherapy.com/pt-ceus/course/interdisciplinary-approach-to-stroke-rehabilitation-4609Interdisciplinary Approach To Stroke Rehabilitation: Outpatient, Home Health, And Community Rehabilitation PhaseThe unique relationship between the occupational and physical therapist when treating an acute, subacute, or chronic stroke diagnosis will be distinguished in this two-part series. Part two will focus on the subacute and chronic stroke, differentiating the home, outpatient, and community phases of rehabilitation, as well as examining the evaluation, evidence, and interventions in each setting to optimize independence for the patient.auditory, textual, visual
'All pertinent topics that needed elaboration were discussed and explained in a way that allowed for learning the information within the course'Read Reviews
The unique relationship between the occupational and physical therapist when treating an acute, subacute, or chronic stroke diagnosis will be distinguished in this two-part series. Part two will focus on the subacute and chronic stroke, differentiating the home, outpatient, and community phases of rehabilitation, as well as examining the evaluation, evidence, and interventions in each setting to optimize independence for the patient.
