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Physical Activity for Patient's with ALS

Jennifaye V. Brown, PhD, PT, NCS

April 19, 2016

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Question

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

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.


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