Date/Location:

January 4 – February 15, 2021

Description:

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative disease that ultimately leads to death. The constellation of clinical symptoms is best addressed by a coordinated multidisciplinary approach. However, the role of the physical therapist on this team is poorly understood in the setting of a disease where continued functional decline is expected and there is concern for overworking an impaired neuromuscular system. While a person with ALS is not likely to have significant gains in function, physical therapists can help improve or maintain function through exercise or compensatory measures such as adaptive equipment, assistive devices, transfer devices, or wheelchairs. The experienced physical therapist is uniquely suited to help people with ALS and their caregivers maintain independence and quality of life throughout the disease process. For those in the early disease stages, the focus of therapy is on maintaining function and independence and preventing secondary complications. As the disease progresses, the approach shifts gradually towards compensatory measures to improve comfort, dignity, and safety while reducing caregiver burden.

The objectives of this review were to summarize the recent research pertaining to physical therapy interventions for people with ALS. Specific interventions of interest included strengthening exercise, aerobic exercise, respiratory training, stretching and range of motion, balance training, and recommendations for adaptive equipment and devices. Outcomes of interest included measures of strength, aerobic capacity, respiratory function, pain, spasticity, falls, quality of life, caregiver burden, and disease progression.

Speakers:

Renee Hetzler, PT, DPT

Learning Outcomes:

Summarize the exercise recommendations for people with ALS across the disease spectrum.

Describe effective equipment recommendations to improve efficiency and safety with ambulation and transfers in people with ALS.

Explain the components of a power wheelchair that are beneficial for someone with ALS, and when it is appropriate to recommend a wheelchair.

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CEUs This activity is offered for up to 0.1 CEUs (1.0 hour of instruction). To register for CEUs:  

Download and complete the following forms.

Save the files names: 2021_ALSA2_Lastname_Firstname

Send both files to ceus@aacinstitute.org

Upon completion of the two forms and passing the quiz, a CEU certificate will be sent

Note: If any difficulty is encountered in using this form, write to ceus@aacinstitute.org to request an alternative file format.