The specific aims of this preliminary, prospective randomized study of individuals with ALS are to determine variability, describe trends over a 6-month time frame and to estimate differences between individuals with ALS who perform an upper and lower extremity strengthening program three times per week and a control group of individuals with ALS with respect to the following outcomes:
1. an increase in muscle strength (maximum voluntary isometric contraction) as measured by quantitative muscle testing.
2. an increase in functional activities as measured by The Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Functional Rating Scale (ALSFRS)7 and the Schwab and England Rating Scale (SERS).
3. a decrease in fatigue as measured by the Fatigue Severity Scale.
4. an increase in quality of life as measured by the SF-36.Subjects will be randomized into two groups - experimental and control. Subjects in the control group will perform a daily stretching exercise program for a period of six months. Subjects in the experimental groups will perform a strengthening exercise program three times per week for a period of six months. All subjects will be evaluated at baseline and then monthly using the following outcome measures: (1) maximum voluntary isometric contraction; (2) Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Functional Rating Scale; (3) Schwab and England Rating Scale; (3) Fatigue Severity Scale; (4) forced vital capacity; and, (5) the SF-36.
