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Exercises for ALS | Mass General Brigham

Mass General Brigham
Mass General Brigham•Apr 21, 2026

Why It Matters

Regular, tailored exercise slows functional decline in ALS, enhancing patients' independence and easing caregiver burden.

Key Takeaways

  • •Mild to moderate exercise benefits ALS patients' muscle function.
  • •Stretching, aerobic, resistance, balance, breathing form five exercise categories.
  • •Care team should tailor daily exercise plan to individual abilities.
  • •Rest and recovery are essential after each exercise session.
  • •Caregivers can assist with stretches when patients lose independent movement.

Summary

The video from Mass General Brigham explains that people with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) can safely perform mild‑to‑moderate exercise, overturning earlier advice to avoid activity. It presents a five‑category regimen—stretching, aerobic, resistance, balance, and breathing—designed to maintain muscle function, joint flexibility, and overall quality of life.

Key recommendations include daily gentle stretching, aerobic work three to five times weekly, resistance training two to three times weekly, and balance or breathing drills as needed. Specific cues such as holding shoulder stretches for 30‑60 seconds, performing sit‑to‑stand repetitions without “plopping,” and monitoring breathlessness during cardio are emphasized, with frequency guidelines to optimize benefits without overexertion.

The video demonstrates practical examples: a reclined shoulder stretch, a sit‑to‑stand exercise, and diaphragmatic breathing, while noting that physical therapists, speech‑language pathologists, and respiratory therapists can customize plans. Caregivers are encouraged to assist with stretches when patients lose independent mobility, reinforcing a team‑based approach.

Adopting this structured exercise protocol can extend functional independence, reduce pain, and lower fall risk for ALS patients. It underscores the importance of multidisciplinary coordination and regular rest, offering a scalable model for clinicians and families seeking to improve outcomes in a progressive neuromuscular disease.

Original Description

Exercise can help people living with ALS manage symptoms and reduce pain. Katey Burke, PT, DPT, a neurologic clinical specialist and physical therapist, explains the best exercise types for people with ALS and shows examples of exercises to try at home.
This information in this video is provided solely for informational and educational purposes and should not be used in place of professional medical advice, diagnosis and treatment from your physician or another qualified health provider that may be available to you.
For more information on exercises for ALS to manage symptoms: https://www.massgeneralbrigham.org/en/about/newsroom/articles/exercises-for-als
0:00 – Intro
0:22 – Benefits of exercise for ALS
0:44 – Types of exercises for people with ALS
0:56 – Stretching
1:36 – Aerobic exercise
2:06 – Resistance exercise
2:40 – Balance exercises
2:54 – Breathing exercises
3:18 – The importance of rest
3:30 – Tailoring your exercise plan
#MGB #MassGeneralBrigham #ALS #AmyotrophicLateralSclerosis
About Mass General Brigham:
Mass General Brigham combines the strength of two world-class academic medical centers, five nationally ranked specialty hospitals, 11 community hospitals, and dozens of health centers. Our doctors and researchers accelerate medical breakthroughs and drive innovations in patient care. They are leaders in medical education, serving as Harvard Medical School faculty and training the next generation of physicians. Mass General Brigham’s mission is to deliver the best, affordable health care to patients everywhere. Together, we transform the health of our communities and beyond.
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