MND and Exercise
"Motor neurone disease (MND) describes a group of diseases that affect the nerve (motor neurones) in the brain and spinal cord that tell your muscles what to do. With MND, messages from these nerves gradually stop reaching the muscles, leading them to weaken, stiffen and waste." (MND association 2018)
Below is a fact sheet that I wrote for my NHS patients to help them understand the role of Physiotherapy and the benefits of exercise in MND.
Should I exercise?
After diagnosis, many people ask whether exercise can help them manage their MND Symptoms or help prevent weakness as a result of the disease.
Although exercise cannot reverse the muscle weakness caused by MND, a growing body of evidence supports the fact that exercise does have a positive impact on keeping you active for as long as possible.
It can help by maintaining joint range of movement to keep you mobile and to reduce pain and stiffness, it can also help maximise the strength in your muscles.
What exercise should I do?
Your condition will be different from someone else’s and therefore it is important that you listen to your body when exercising so as not to cause pain or excessive tiredness as a result. Strenuous exercise is often not recommended as increased tiredness can lead to weakness and take energy away from activities that are important to you. Instead, try short periods of exercise as part of your daily routine.
Stair or step climbing, walking between rooms and reaching to get dressed incorporate strengthening, joint range of movement and aerobic activities. Depending on your symptoms, you may be able to continue with your current exercise regime or you may need to prioritise other activities. In the first instance, discuss your planned exercise with your GP or the Care Centre Team. You may also find it beneficial to see a Physiotherapist.
How can a Physiotherapist help?
A Physiotherapist will review your difficulties and can provide you with some individual exercises to meet your specific needs. They can also support your family or carer to assist you. A Physiotherapist can also offer a supportive role which may include advising on walking aids, possible orthotics to help stepping, small equipment provision or positioning advice to adapt to physical changes.
Enable Me Physiotherapy can offer exercise advice and support within West Berkshire and North Hampshire. You can get in touch via our contact page.
For more information on MND itself, please visit the MND aassociation website: www.mndassociation.org
