Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: Therapeutic Exercise & Physical Activity Considerations

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: Therapeutic Exercise & Physical Activity ConsiderationsDESCRIPTION Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a disease defined by the degeneration of upper and lower motor neurons, which manifests clinically as progressive weakness. Many people with a diagnosis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis are interested in therapeutic exercise. Despite the high interest from patients, the effects of exercise in this population are not well understood. This session will review the clinical and preclinical data as it

DESCRIPTION
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a disease defined by the degeneration of upper and lower motor neurons, which manifests clinically as progressive weakness. Many people with a diagnosis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis are interested in therapeutic exercise. Despite the high interest from patients, the effects of exercise in this population are not well understood. This session will review the clinical and preclinical data as it pertains to exercise safety and efficacy in ALS, define a practical approach to counseling and prescribing therapeutic exercise to patients with ALS, as well as the controversial topics such as high levels of physical activity or sports-related concussions as ALS
risk factors.

LEARNER OUTCOMES
Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to:

1. Express the fundamentals of ALS pathophysiology and diagnosis
2. Define historic and contemporary perspectives on the role of therapeutic exercise in the management of patients with ALS
3. Determine a practical, and personalized approach to advising about and prescribing therapeutic exercise in ALS
4. Describe how you can navigate people with ALS through the mixed messages they may have received about therapeutic exercise including controversies such as high physical activity or sports concussions as ALS risk factors

INSTRUCTOR
Colin Franz, MD/PhD, FAAPMR

AUDIENCE
Nurses, Occupational Therapists, Occupational Therapy Assistants, Physical Therapists, Physical Therapist Assistants, Speech-Language Pathologists

SUCCESSFUL COMPLETION
Participants will watch the on-demand recording in its entirety and complete an assessment and feedback module in the Academy Learning Portal. You will have three months from the date of purchase to complete and review the course material. You will receive a reminder email two weeks before the expiration date.  

CONTINUING EDUCATION CREDITS
Occupational Therapy: 

Shirley Ryan AbilityLab is an AOTA Approved Provider of professional development. Course approval ID# 00536. This distance learning – independent and interactive webinar is offered at .1 CEUs [intermediate, OT service delivery/Foundational Knowledge]. AOTA does not endorse specific course content, products, or clinical procedures.

Physical Therapy:

The Illinois Physical Therapy Board for 1 Contact Hours has approved this course.  Approval #216-000069

The Shirley Ryan AbilityLab is recognized by California and the New York State Education Department's State Board for Physical Therapy as an approved provider of physical therapy and physical therapist assistant continuing education for 1.0 Contact Hours on 8/7/2025.

Many states accept continuing education contact hours recognized in other states, enabling professionals to use these hours to meet their licensing or certification requirements. Please consult your state regulations to see if this meets CEU requirements for your license.

Speech-Language Pathology:

DISCLOSURES
Financial: Receives a salary from Shirley Ryan AbilityLab
Non-Financial: No relevant nonfinancial relationship exists

ACADEMY POLICIES
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