Is physical activity a risk factor for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis?

Roberto Dias Batista Pereira; Wladimir Bocca Vieira de Rezende Pinto; Paulo Victor Sgobbi de Souza; Beny Schmidt; Acary Souza Bulle Oliveira

Volume : VIII, Issue : V, May - 2018

Is physical activity a risk factor for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis?

Roberto Dias Batista Pereira, Wladimir Bocca Vieira De Rezende Pinto, Paulo Victor Sgobbi De Souza, Beny Schmidt, Acary Souza Bulle Oliveira

Abstract :

Introduction: Physical activity is controversial with respect to ALS. Our objective was to elucidate the historical profile of habitual physical activity in people with ALS. Methods: A retrospective study was performed involving 97 patients and 105 control individuals. Patients were evaluated with the Baecke questionnaire on habitual physical activity (HPA) in four different periods. Results: Patients with ALS performed more HPA from 10 to 20 years, especially occupational physical activity (OPA), and more OPA from 21 to 30 years than the control group. The type of OPA that was most directly related to the development of disease was rural work (30% of patients) from 10 to 20 years. Discussion: A history of intense habitual physical activity, especially OPA, among patients with ALS suggests a link between these activities and themore early development of disease, as well as increased special care needs among affected patients.