Physical activities include anything that involves body movement and increases breathing and heart rates.1 Walking, gardening, bicycle riding, yoga and many other forms of physical activity may benefit health, such as helping with blood pressure, cholesterol, managing pain and reducing stress and anxiety and helping with sleep. Physical activity is also a great way to stay connected with friends and others in the community.
Research finds that there are barriers, however, to participating in physical activity. Disability, lack of time, low levels of confidence, lack of enjoyment and other barriers can all make it challenging for many people to improve their health and wellbeing with physical activities, including those with MND.2
While physical activity generally has many benefits, researchers are still debating whether it is helpful for someone living with MND, and if it increases the risk of developing the disease.3, 4 Some studies have raised concern about intense kinds of physical activities and MND. For example, repetitive head injuries from contact sports (e.g. professional soccer or football) may increase the risk of developing neurodegenerative issues, including dementia, Alzheimer’s disease and MND.5 Another recent study, identified that in people carrying the C9ORF72 mutation, frequent and intense anaerobic burst activity may be detrimental.6 Much remains unclear though about the risk. More research is needed.
While it helps to be mindful of risks to health and safety during physical activity, it’s important to keep enjoying their many physical, emotional and social benefits.
Other research finds that for some people living with MND there are a number of benefits from participating in therapeutic physical activity.4 Benefits include positive changes to physical and mental health.
Therapeutic physical activity generally refers to activities involving a health professional that are used to help treat the symptoms of disease. For people living with MND, therapeutic physical activity has involved working with clinicians on aerobic, strength and endurance exercises, and functional training or stretching. Activities are normally tailored based on a person’s level of function and needs, including setting limits for their intensity and duration. Activities can be performed at clinics, in the home, in pools as part of hydrotherapy and other settings that patients feel comfortable and can access.7
A recent systematic review found that therapeutic physical activity could contribute to slowing down the deterioration of muscles in the body of people with MND.4 Physical activity helps to counteract the muscle weakness caused by the degeneration of nerves from MND by strengthening healthy nerves and muscles. Daily activities can become easier and quality of life may improve, particularly in the medium to long term. Research also suggests that physical activity may:
For some, physical activity with MND might be able to help with distraction from worry, build confidence and a sense of control and encourage social interaction and feelings of being supported by others.9, 10
It’s important to note, however, that physical activity becomes harder over time with MND. The degeneration of upper and lower motor neurons leads to progressive weakness of bulbar, limb, thoracic and abdominal muscles causing stiffness and immobility. The disease affects a person’s ability to walk, speak, swallow and breathe, all of which are important for participating in physical activities.
Recent research has also found that personal enjoyment of physical activity, as opposed to a physiotherapist recommendation to be active, is more motivating for some people living with MND.11 It can help for people living with MND to consider activities they enjoy doing, and for healthcare professionals to find ways of supporting those activities.
Fatigue is a considerable barrier to physical activity and part of daily life for people living with MND and needs to be carefully managed as the disease progresses.11
Speaking with a healthcare team can help people living with MND manage movement and mobility for remaining physically active for as long as possible, and to address fatigue and other barriers to physical activity. A physiotherapist and occupational therapist are able to perform an assessment and continuing review for:
A health care team can also advise on a program of tailored physical activity with MND. A tailored program is able to address:
A person may need a brace, splint or similar device to help with muscle problems. If so, the person should be referred to an orthotics service as soon as possible.
When active movement is no longer possible, active assisted physical activity can be considered, such as active assisted: