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, PT, MSPT, PhD, NCS, CAPS
Jennifaye V. Brown, PT, MSPT, PhD, NCS, CAPS has 35 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, particularly stroke. Her primary research explored the perceptions of individuals with stroke regarding their experiences with AFO fabrication, modification, and maintenance, and how the AFO impacts walking and participation in life roles, resulting in the book, Brace Yourself - Everything You Need to Know About AFOs After Stroke. She is an NDT-trained therapist with six additional courses taken after the NDT (Bobath) Three Week Course on Treatment of Adult Hemiplegia course. As an Advanced Credentialed Clinical Instructor by the Clinical Instructor Education Board and a four 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 six PT and two PTA programs. She is a Certified Aging in Place Specialist, a member of the APTA, Neurology Section of the APTA, SC Chapter of the APTA, and Athletics & Fitness Association of America, and a graduate of the prestigious APTA Fellowship in Education Leadership.
Related Courses
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2https://www.physicaltherapy.com/pt-ceus/course/effective-interventions-for-correcting-pelvic-4975Effective Interventions for Correcting Pelvic Hike in Low or High Tone Lower Extremity – Insights for Physical Therapist AssistantsPelvic hike as a result of an upper or lower motor lesion can result in atypical gait patterns with compensatory strategies, causing an increase in energy expenditure and the secondary impairment of pain. The purpose of this course is to provide solutions that will address pelvic hike in individuals with neurologic impairment that are within the scope of practice for physical therapist assistants.auditory, textual, visual129USDSubscriptionUnlimited COURSE Access for $129/yearOnlineOnlyPhysicalTherapy.comwww.physicaltherapy.comEffective Interventions for Correcting Pelvic Hike in Low or High Tone Lower Extremity – Insights for Physical Therapist AssistantsPelvic hike as a result of an upper or lower motor lesion can result in atypical gait patterns with compensatory strategies, causing an increase in energy expenditure and the secondary impairment of pain. The purpose of this course is to provide solutions that will address pelvic hike in individuals with neurologic impairment that are within the scope of practice for physical therapist assistants.4975OnlinePT120M
Pelvic hike as a result of an upper or lower motor lesion can result in atypical gait patterns with compensatory strategies, causing an increase in energy expenditure and the secondary impairment of pain. The purpose of this course is to provide solutions that will address pelvic hike in individuals with neurologic impairment that are within the scope of practice for physical therapist assistants.
3https://www.physicaltherapy.com/pt-ceus/course/alleviating-knee-hyperextension-by-addressing-5252Alleviating Knee Hyperextension by Addressing the Ankle and Hip for Individuals with Stroke - A Webinar for Physical Therapist AssistantsThe purpose of this course is to review the causes of knee hyperextension and offer solutions to address this impairment at the body structure/function and activity level. Intervention emphasis will address therapeutic exercise and activities primarily using the FITT-CORRECT principles that are within the scope of practice for physical therapist assistants.auditory, textual, visual129USDSubscriptionUnlimited COURSE Access for $129/yearOnlineOnlyPhysicalTherapy.comwww.physicaltherapy.comAlleviating Knee Hyperextension by Addressing the Ankle and Hip for Individuals with Stroke - A Webinar for Physical Therapist AssistantsThe purpose of this course is to review the causes of knee hyperextension and offer solutions to address this impairment at the body structure/function and activity level. Intervention emphasis will address therapeutic exercise and activities primarily using the FITT-CORRECT principles that are within the scope of practice for physical therapist assistants.5252OnlinePT120M
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4https://www.physicaltherapy.com/pt-ceus/course/pta-exercise-progression-within-plan-5292PTA Exercise Progression Within the Plan of Care for Individuals with StrokeThis course's purpose is to facilitate clinical reasoning and decision-making skills in PTAs for progressing exercises at the body structure, function, and activity levels within the plan of care. The emphasis will address interventions for aerobic activity, strengthening, flexibility, balance, sit-to-stand, and gait that are within the scope of practice for physical therapist assistants.auditory, textual, visual129USDSubscriptionUnlimited COURSE Access for $129/yearOnlineOnlyPhysicalTherapy.comwww.physicaltherapy.comPTA Exercise Progression Within the Plan of Care for Individuals with StrokeThis course's purpose is to facilitate clinical reasoning and decision-making skills in PTAs for progressing exercises at the body structure, function, and activity levels within the plan of care. The emphasis will address interventions for aerobic activity, strengthening, flexibility, balance, sit-to-stand, and gait that are within the scope of practice for physical therapist assistants.5292OnlinePT120M
This course's purpose is to facilitate clinical reasoning and decision-making skills in PTAs for progressing exercises at the body structure, function, and activity levels within the plan of care. The emphasis will address interventions for aerobic activity, strengthening, flexibility, balance, sit-to-stand, and gait that are within the scope of practice for physical therapist assistants.
5https://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.auditory, textual, visual129USDSubscriptionUnlimited COURSE Access for $129/yearOnlineOnlyPhysicalTherapy.comwww.physicaltherapy.comComplex 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.4353OnlinePT120M
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.
