Strenuous exercise may heighten the risk of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), according to a study publicized online in Neurology.
During their research, a group of experts administered questionnaires to 400 patients who were newly diagnosed with ALS, along with 800 healthy counterparts.
The questionnaire sought to assess the type and frequency of physical activity that occurred between the ages of 20 and 60.
“The main objective of this study is to provide insight in physical activity (PA) as a potential risk factor for ALS, reporting data on cumulative PA, leisure time PA and occupational PA,” the Neurology report reads.
“Lifetime combined PA sharply decreased several years before disease onset compared to controls. The risk of developing ALS was not associated with former total PA levels 5-55 years before interview in contrast to occupational PA, probably reflecting work associated exposures,” the report also states.
In conclusion, the report concluded with evidence that physical activity may not be associated with the development of ALS.
