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Updated: Dec 31, 2025
A Protocol for Comprehensive Assessment of Bulbar Dysfunction in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis ALS
Published on: February 21, 2011
Quality of life and functional independence in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: A systematic review
Jéssica Paloma Rosa Silva1, José Bomfim Santiago Júnior2, Elizabete Lima Dos Santos2
1Department of Physical Therapy, Federal University of Sergipe, Lagarto, SE, Brazil; Laboratory of Neurobiology of Degenerative Diseases of the Nervous System, Department of Biosciences, Federal University of Sergipe, Itabaiana, SE, Brazil.
Abstract:
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) leads to functional capacity decline, generating great impact in quality of life. Quality of life is directly related to physical integrity and functional independence. This systematic review aimed to analyze treatment protocols and their outcomes from clinical trials with focus on ALS rehabilitation that evaluated the effects on quality of life and functional independence from their intervention process. A literature search was conducted through MEDLINE-PubMed, Science Direct, Web of Science and Scopus databases. A total of 3630 articles were identified. Eleven studies met the inclusion criteria. They focused on different aspects of quality of life or functional independence, which are: respiratory care, mental health, communication skills and exercises. Use of bipap and inspiratory muscle training, anxiety and depression, communication devices implementation and exercises safety and tolerability were considered as key points. However, the drastic evolution of the disease is a limiting factor to the perception of quality of life improvement by patients. Further studies should be done to validate the benefits on patients' quality of life.
