A randomized controlled trial of resistance exercise in individuals with ALS.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the effects of resistance exercise on function, fatigue, and quality of life in individuals with ALS.


METHODS
Subjects with a diagnosis of clinically definite, probable, or laboratory-supported ALS, forced vital capacity (FVC) of 90% predicted or greater, and an ALS Functional Rating Scale (ALSFRS) score of 30 or greater were randomly assigned to a resistance exercise group that received a home exercise program consisting of daily stretching and resistance exercises three times weekly or to a usual care group, who performed only the daily stretching exercises. ALSFRS, the Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS), and Short Form-36 (SF-36) were completed at baseline and monthly for 6 months. FVC and maximum voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) were monitored monthly throughout the study.


RESULTS
Of 33 subjects screened, 27 were randomly assigned (resistance = 13; usual care = 14). Eight resistance exercise subjects and 10 usual care subjects completed the trial. At 6 months, the resistance exercise group had significantly higher ALSFRS and SF-36 physical function subscale scores. No adverse events related to the intervention occurred, MVIC and FVC indicated no negative effects, and less decline in leg strength measured by MVIC was found in the resistance exercise group.


CONCLUSIONS
Our study, although small, showed that the resistance exercise group had significantly better function, as measured by total ALS Functional Rating Scale and upper and lower extremity subscale scores, and quality of life without adverse effects as compared with subjects receiving usual care.
Bello-Haas
V Dal
VD
School of Physical Therapy, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada. vanina.dalbello-haas@usask.ca
Florence
J M
JM
Kloos
A D
AD
Scheirbecker
J
J
Lopate
G
G
Hayes
S M
SM
Pioro
E P
EP
Mitsumoto
H
H
D000690:Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*; D004185:Disability Evaluation; D005081:Exercise Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D005221:Fatigue / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D018763:Muscle Fatigue / Q000502:physiology; D018482:Muscle, Skeletal / Q000503:physiopathology; D010809:Physical Fitness / Q000502:physiology* / Q000523:psychology; D011788:Quality of Life / Q000523:psychology; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D018401:Sample Size; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014797:Vital Capacity / Q000502:physiology