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Guidelines

Exercise or other physical activity, performed under the direction of your physician and physical therapist, can be helpful to you at various stages of ALS. (See Chapter 8 for a discussion of the benefits.)

Whether you’re able to carry out these activities on your own, or need the help of a PT or caregiver, their benefits will greatly enhance your everyday life with ALS.

This chapter offers detailed instructions on performing many of the exercises mentioned in Chapter 8. Most of them can be modified according to your endurance and abilities.

Don’t be discouraged if some of these exercises aren’t possible for you. With the help of your health care team, do those that are within your capability, and you’ll see many benefits.

Whether you’re biking, walking, swimming, doing range-of-motion, practicing yoga or performing other exercises, follow these precautions:

• Always consult with your health care team about the type and duration of exercise that’s best for you.
• Do exercises slowly and smoothly.
• Hold stretching exercises for 5 seconds. Don’t bounce.
• Rest briefly before resuming exercises if cramping or pain occurs.
• Repeat each exercise the number of times you can tolerate and find comfortable.
• Rest whenever necessary during exercise to prevent fatigue.
• Seek the advice of a PT about doing exercises properly.
• Wait at least one hour after meals before exercising.
• Exercise shouldn’t cause pain. If it does, STOP!
• See page 100 for precautions and signs of dangerous fatigue.

As ALS progresses, you may experience a greater level of fatigue and be unable to continue your usual exercises without feeling exhausted. Accordingly, you’ll have to change your exercise program. Even passive range-of-motion can improve your quality of life.

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