Everyday tasks such as getting up in the morning, walking, and climbing stairs are often taken for granted. As ALS/MND progresses, a person’s mobility may be affected. People living with ALS/MND can find support for mobility and movement via their physiotherapist.
The effects of ALS/MND on a person’s mobility can vary depending on the individual. Muscle weakness, muscle cramping, paralysis in certain muscles, loss of range in motion and flexibility, or muscle spasticity are common reasons mobility is affected.
A physiotherapist, individually or alongside the occupational therapist and orthotist, helps support mobility and movement for people living with ALS/MND. Their role can include providing exercises to maintain and support the regular movement. In addition, they can offer suggestions to posture and activities to encourage mobility and work with people with ALS/MND to navigate the many technical devices and equipment available to them.
There are equipment and devices to support mobility for people living with ALS/MND. People with ALS/MND have a range of options for equipment, such as canes and walking sticks, orthotic devices, walkers/rollators and wheelchairs. The physiotherapist can help people narrow down the best options for their individual needs.
For more information on the physiotherapist’s role and support for mobility with ALS/MND, refer to the resources provided below.
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The following are resources from Members of the International Alliance of ALS/MND Associations on the topic of Physiotherapy and Mobility.
What Does the Physiotherapist Do?
The physiotherapist’s role for people living with ALS/MND is explained in this short resource provided by the ALS Centrum Nederlands. This resource discusses the areas in which a physiotherapist can give aid and support. The ALS Centrum Nederlands also offers additional links to learn more about equipment that a physiotherapist may recommend.
https://www.als-centrum.nl/kennisplatform/wat-doet-de-fysiotherapeut/
Language: Dutch, English
Subject Areas: Multidisciplinary Healthcare Team, Physiotherapy, Physiotherapist, Mobility, For People with ALS/MND, For Caregivers
Physiotherapy in ALS
The ALS Lige Belgium created a thorough guide for people living with ALS/MND and their caregivers. The guide outlines the overarching goals of physiotherapy for people living with ALS/MND. This booklet also contains diagrams and directions for common exercises or activities from physiotherapy for people with ALS/MND. Additionally, this guide provides information on tools and resources that people living with ALS/MND can use to support mobility and daily activities.
https://als.be/sites/default/files/uploads/Physiotherapy_pALS_-_Manual_physiotherapists.pdf
Language: English
Subject Areas: Physiotherapy, Mobility, For People with ALS/MND, For Caregivers
Physiotherapy and Exercise with MND
The MND Association (MNDA) provides this detailed resource on physiotherapy and its benefits for people living with ALS/MND. This resource answers frequently asked questions about the physiotherapist’s role and the general structure and format of appointments. Additionally, exercise types and treatments are also discussed.
https://www.mndassociation.org/app/uploads/2015/06/6A-Physiotherapy-1.pdf
Language: English
Subject Areas: Physiotherapy, Multidisciplinary Healthcare Team, Physiotherapist, Mobility, For People with ALS/MND
Muscle Weakness with MND
The MND Association (MNDA) focuses on muscle weakness in this guide for people living with ALS/MND. This resource explains the process of weakening muscles with ALS/MND, strategies to help with these changes, and the available equipment to people as the disease progresses.
Language: English
Subject Areas: Mobility, Physiotherapy, Multidisciplinary Healthcare Team, Occupational Therapist, Physiotherapist, For People with ALS/MND
Mobility and Movement
This resource page is provided by the MND Association (MNDA). It discusses some of the aspects of mobility for people living with ALS/MND. Topics covered in this resource include the multidisciplinary healthcare team that may assist with mobility and movement for people living with ALS/MND. This resource also discusses the equipment for mobility and movement, potential home improvements, and changes with driving.
https://www.mndassociation.org/support-and-information/living-with-mnd/mobility-and-movement/
Language: English
Subject Areas: Occupational Therapist, Daily Living, For People with ALS/MND, For Caregivers
Mobility and ALS
This factsheet describing how mobility may be affected by ALS/MND is provided for people living with ALS/MND by The ALS Association (ALSA). The expected changes in mobility alongside the multidisciplinary healthcare team that can aid with these changes are discussed.
https://www.als.org/navigating-als/resources/fyi-mobility-and-als
Language: English
Subject Areas: Mobility, Multidisciplinary Healthcare Team, Physiotherapy, For People with ALS/MND
Functioning When Mobility is Affected by ALS
This extensive guide is provided by The ALS Association (ALSA) and details many aspects of mobility and daily living for people living with ALS/MND. It introduces the multidisciplinary healthcare team and describes their role. This guide also provides tips, strategies, and exercises to support mobility for people living with ALS/MND. Information on available equipment and home adaptations is also offered.
https://www.als.org/sites/default/files/2020-04/lwals_07_2017.pdf
Language: English
Subject Areas: Multidisciplinary Healthcare Team, Physiotherapist, Occupational Therapist, Mobility, Daily Living, For People with ALS/MND, For Caregivers
Orthotic Devices with ALS/MND
This guide provided by The ALS Association (ALSA) discusses the multidisciplinary healthcare team that can support people living with ALS/MND in exploring and deciding on the right orthotic devices for them. Certain devices that people living with ALS/MND can use are also discussed.
https://www.als.org/navigating-als/resources/fyi-orthotic-devices
Language: English
Subject Areas: Mobility, Multidisciplinary Healthcare Team, For People with ALS/MND, For Caregivers
ALS & Mobility
We created this guide to help you navigate changes that may occur due to ALS. In this guide you will find information on durable medical equipment (DME). This equipment will allow you to get around your home and out in the community. This guide is just a general place to start. If you have any questions, please contact your ALS care team.
https://lesturnerals.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/Mobility-Guide-Final.pdf
Language: English
Subject Areas: Mobility, Care and Support Guides and Manuals, Equipment, Communications and Assistive Technology, For Clinicians, For Families and Caregivers
ALS & Home Modifications
Whether adding a ramp, remodelling, or moving, information about what features are useful and practical is important, especially as adding unnecessary or poorly designed elements add costs to a budget. Your ALS care team can provide you with resources and help brainstorm cost effective ways to modify your home. While no two people with ALS are alike or will progress the same way, there is a great deal of collective knowledge and wisdom available from your ALS care team, people living with ALS and caregivers. Our intention is to provide you with information that you need today and tomorrow.
https://lesturnerals.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/Home-Modifications-Guide-Final.pdf
Language: Dutch, English
Subject Areas: Mobility, Care and Support Guides and Manuals, Equipment, Communications and Assistive Technology, For Clinicians, For Families and Caregivers