Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: Delivering HOPE (Holistic OutPatient Exercise) Through Virtual Exercise Groups

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Author and presenter: Virginia Kudritzki, DPT
Virginia.Kudritzki@va.gov
(206) 612-2170

Co-author: Ileana Howard, MD

Abstract:
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive neurological condition affecting 30,000 United States (US) Americans at any given time, 5,000 of which are US military Veterans. Veterans are twice as likely to be affected by the disease. Even though they are served by the largest healthcare system in the nation, access to specialized ALS clinics is limited.
The natural progression of the ALS disease presents unique challenges to a physical therapist (PT) treating persons living with ALS (pALS). Physical therapists strive to stay ahead of the patient’s physical decline with therapeutic measures and issuance of durable medical equipment to assure safety and promote independence. Over the last decade, there has been increased interest in the role of exercise in slowing the functional decline in the ALS population. Veterans living with ALS have limited access to specialized physical therapists who can guide them through an appropriate and safe exercise program that promotes function and minimizes fatigue, pain, and other indications of over use. Traveling to specialized clinics is a significant burden for an individual living with disabilities and can lead to extended periods of fatigue.
The Puget Sound Healthcare System, Seattle VA, has created an innovative way to provide a safe means for pALSs to exercise under the supervision of a specialized ALS physical therapist and physical therapy assistant without having to leave the comfort of their home. In this poster presentation, we will provide details pertaining to this virtual exercise group.