Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 29, 2026
08:27
Evaluation of Motor Impairment in C. elegans Models of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
Published on: September 2, 2021
4.8K
Recumbent stepping aerobic exercise in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: a pilot study
Anjali Sivaramakrishnan1,2, Sangeetha Madhavan3
1Brain Plasticity Lab, Department of Physical Therapy, College of Applied Health Sciences, University of Illinois at Chicago, 1919 West Taylor Street, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA.
Summary
This study found that a 4-week recumbent stepping program was safe and feasible for individuals with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The exercise did not show significant changes in disease progression or neurophysiological markers.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Exercise Physiology
- Neurology
Background:
- Aerobic exercise can enhance neuroplasticity in both healthy and injured brains.
- Evidence suggests exercise may slow disease progression in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).
- The safety and effects of recumbent stepping in ALS remain unexplored.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the safety and feasibility of a 4-week recumbent stepping program in individuals with ALS.
- To assess the potential of recumbent stepping to slow ALS disease progression.
- To explore the neuroplastic effects of recumbent stepping in ALS.
Main Methods:
- Nine individuals with ALS participated in a 4-week moderate-intensity recumbent stepping program.
- Outcomes included functional rating scales, clinical tests, fatigue, depression, quality of life, and motor evoked potentials (MEPs).
- Measurements were taken at baseline, post-intervention, and 1-month follow-up.
Main Results:
- Eight participants completed the study without adverse events, indicating safety and feasibility.
- No significant changes were observed in ALS Functional Rating Scale Revised (ALSFRS-R) scores or other clinical outcomes.
- Motor evoked potentials showed minimal changes in corticomotor excitability post-exercise.
Conclusions:
- This preliminary study supports the safety and feasibility of using a total body recumbent stepper for 12 sessions in individuals with ALS.
- Recumbent stepping appears to be a safe exercise modality for this population.
- Further research is needed to explore the functional and neurophysiological benefits.
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