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Standing Up to ALS

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A standing program can help people with ALS and the people that care for them.

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or Lou Gehrig’s disease, is a progressive motor neuron disease causing muscle weakness and atrophy throughout the body. This is the definition, but not everyone fits the definition. Each person with ALS will progress and cope with the disease in their own way. Also, each of their family members, friends and caregivers will react differently to this profound situation. What makes a big difference in a person’s day to day life with ALS is minimizing the secondary adverse affects of the disease, keeping what muscle groups that are available strong and maintaining as much quality of life as each person is capable of.

A good, consistent standing program can help maintain a person’s general health and help them keep a good frame of mind. Here are some specific benefits from standing that can help people with ALS:

  • Maintaining muscle strength in the lower extremities and trunk stability.
  • Facilitate posture to maximize respiratory volume and the flow of secretions.
  • Alleviate pain due to immobility from the lack of posture change.
  • Help with bowel and bladder function, also do to compromised mobility.
  • Some individuals find eating and swallowing facilitated by standing.
  • The psycho-social benefits of standing like, work related activities, exercise, recreation, self image, peer and family interaction.

The benefit of a standing program can often help the caregiver as well. If the person with ALS can maintain strength in their lower extremities, this will help with transfers. If trunk balance is maintained they can sit independently at the side of the bed or on the toilet. If their bodily functions are regulated by standing, it will be easier for everyone. And if the person can maintain a relatively good frame of mind from the psycho-social benefits of standing, they will be an enjoyable partner in their care.

Several years ago many people would not considered recommending a standing device for a person with ALS, because the technology was not practical for this type of client. But today standing systems have become much more accessible and there are many more options for supporting and positioning the individual. Here are several considerations when looking for a standing device:

  • Easy transfer and accessibility for the present and the future.
  • Positioning and support of the upper body from minimal to maximal support.
  • Convenience for the individual and especially for the caregiver.
  • Effectiveness, to get the most benefit from the standing program.
  • Safety, to prevent injury but also the perception of security for the person standing.

When people are assessing the home medical equipment needs for someone with ALS the list can be very long. One item not to be forgotten is the rehab equipment that will help maintain the general health of the individual, which can be the standing device.

Other Blog Posts Related to ALS/Lou Gehrig’s Disease:
Shartrina shares how her husband with ALS Uses the EasyStand (Video)

Do you have a patient, friend or family member that has ALS? Do they have a standing program or what other equipment or therapies have helped them maintain their strength?

The post Standing Up to ALS appeared first on EasyStand Blog.


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