ALS: strengthening to withstand

#ALS #Neurodegeneration #RespiratoryRehabilitation #RMT  


Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a severe, progressive, and incurable neurodegenerative disease, characterized by the degeneration of cortical, bulbar, and spinal motor neurons. It leads to generalized muscle weakness, loss of autonomy, and eventually terminal respiratory failure, which is the main cause of death. The average life expectancy is 3 to 5 years after symptom onset.

The weakness of respiratory muscles, particularly the diaphragm, gradually impairs ventilation, reduces coughing ability, and promotes the accumulation of bronchial secretions, with recurrent respiratory infections. However, the available treatments only partially address these mechanisms. Respiratory rehabilitation, especially respiratory muscle training (RMT), could improve quality of life, functional capacity, or even patient survival. Nevertheless, available data remain fragmented.