Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: pathophysiology and implications for physical therapy This work will provide a basic overview of the pathophysiology of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) as well as the medical interventions used in the treatment of the disease . Physical therapy interventions for ALS and therapeutic exercise recommendations are the main focus of this study and will be discussed in more detail in the next part. Description Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or Lou Gehrig's disease as it is commonly called, is described by the ALS Association ( ALSA, 2010) as “a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects the nerve cells of the brain and spinal cord”. Amyotrophic is described by Porth and Matfin (2009) as muscle atrophy or wasting as a result of lower motor neuron death which is the most easily observable outcome of the disease process. Lateral sclerosis refers to the degradation of nerve tissue in the lateral columns of the spinal cord due to scarring. ALS presents with the following signs and symptoms (S&S). The initial stages involve muscle weakness, involuntary movements, spasticity, twitching and cramps; these usually begin in the distal extremities (Lescher, 2011). Progressive S&S include atrophy and paralysis of the muscles of the limbs, trunk, and face, as well as fatigue, dysarthria, dysphagia, and hyperreflexia (i.e., highly sensitive gag reflex and positive Babinski reflex). Due to weakness and paralysis of the muscles of the face and throat, feeding and breathing are impaired. Most people with ALS ultimately depend on mechanical ventilation. Demographics ALS most commonly affects people between the ages of 40 and 70; the average age is 55, most are Caucasian (93%) and is 2...... middle of paper ......451-461. Available from http://iospress.metapress.com/content/j8p10mxtu180u036/Lui, A. J., & Byl, N. N. (2009). A systematic review of the effect of moderate-intensity exercise on function and disease progression in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Journal of Neurological Physical Therapy, 33(2), 68-87. doi: 10.1097/NPT.0b013e31819912d0Pflumm, M. (2012). Exercise: Extending the limits of ALS care. Retrieved from the ALS Therapy Development Institute website: http://blogs.als.net/post/Exercise-does-a-body-good-But-what-about-pALS.aspxPorth, CM, and Matfin, G. ( 2009). Pathophysiology: Concepts of Altered Health States (8th ed.). Philadelphia, PA: Wolters Kluwer Health-Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. University of Pittsburgh, Center for ALS Research. (2013). Occupational and physical therapy. Retrieved from http://www.alsresearchcenter.pitt.edu/patients/pt_ot_therapy.php