The Link Between Physical Activity and Reduced Risk of ALS in Men
A new study published in the June 26, 2024 issue of Neurology suggests that moderate levels of physical activity and fitness could be linked to a reduced risk of developing amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) later in life. ALS is a rare progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, leading to muscle weakness and paralysis.
In the study, researchers examined data from 373,696 participants in Norway with an average age of 41, over a span of 27 years. Of the total participants, 504 individuals developed ALS, with 59% of them being male.
The participants reported their physical activity levels, ranging from sedentary to regular engagement in sports or intense physical training. Men with higher levels of physical activity had a lower risk of developing ALS compared to those with lower activity levels. The study found that moderate to high levels of physical activity were associated with a 29% to 41% reduced risk of ALS in men.
Lead author of the study, Anders Myhre Vaage, MD, from Akershus University Hospital in Norway, noted that the findings challenge the previous notion that higher physical activity levels may increase the risk of ALS. In fact, the study suggests that physical activity might be protective against the disease, especially in men.
Furthermore, the study found that men with lower resting heart rates, indicating better physical fitness, also had a reduced risk of ALS. This association between physical fitness and lower ALS risk highlights the potential benefits of maintaining an active lifestyle.
It is important to note that the study had limitations, such as relying on a single self-reported questionnaire for physical activity assessment. Future studies should explore the relationship between ALS and exercise in more detail, considering sex differences and the impact of higher levels of physical activity seen in professional athletes.
In conclusion, the findings of this study suggest that staying physically active and maintaining good fitness levels may play a role in reducing the risk of developing ALS, particularly in men. This new understanding could have important implications for public health strategies aimed at preventing neurological diseases.
