Physiotherapeutic conduct in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

PubMed, the Internet portal of biomedical and life sciences literature, indexed an interesting article, entitled Physiotherapeutic conduct in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (Sao Paulo Med J. 2006 Nov 7;124(6):350-4). Authors are Pozza AM Delamura MK Ramirez C et al, from the Faculdade de Medicina de São José do Rio Preto, São José do Rio Preto, São Paulo, Brazil. Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal progressive neurodegenerative disease with multifactorial etiology for which, so far, there is no effective medicinal treatment. However, by means of kinesiotherapy intervention and patient guidance and care, physiotherapy can delay physical functional losses, muscle fatigue and immobility of the joint-muscle system, thereby improving the quality of life. This survey had the aim of reviewing the physiotherapeutic conduct currently used in ALS cases. Monthly monitoring is recommended, with changes in goals and conduct at each stage of the disease, activities to be pursued around the home, and emphasis on stretching, muscle strengthening, posture adequacy and respiratory kinesiotherapy. To access the full abstract of the article, click here