Rehabilitation Interventions in Adults with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: A Review

Rehabilitation in Adults with ALS

Abstract

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is the most common and rapidly devastating neurodegenerative disease, which causes impairment of motor neurons in the upper and lower limbs, as well as in the bulbar muscles among adults. This leads to progressive weakness of voluntary muscles. The median survival after the emergence of initial symptoms is typically three years. During this period, due to the worsening of general well-being and independence, patients and their caregivers experience significant emotional stress. Furthermore, there is currently no definitive treatment for ALS. Consequently, patients face various challenges associated with motor impairment, including mobility disturbances, respiratory dysfunction, speech difficulties, and limitations in activities of daily living. Therefore, rehabilitation plays a vital role as a component of multidisciplinary care for managing these issues and reducing the impact of the disease on patients and their families. It is considered the optimal choice for alleviating the discomfort of ALS patients until a curative treatment is discovered.
This narrative review aims to provide an overview of different aspects of rehabilitation, including physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and respiratory strategies focused on enhancing independence, functional abilities, and overall quality of life while minimizing disabilities and complications in patients coping with this debilitating condition.