The risk is lowered for men.
Research into finding a cure for ALS has been challenging, but recent findings suggest that maintaining fitness and engaging in moderate exercise could potentially reduce the risk of developing amyotrophic lateral sclerosis later in life, particularly for men.
According to a study published in Neurology by Norwegian researchers, a higher level of physical activity in midlife appears to correlate with a decreased risk of ALS decades later. Dr. Anders Myhre Vaage from Akershus University Hospital noted that previous research has yielded conflicting results regarding the link between physical activity and ALS risk, particularly across different genders.
The study, which followed over 373,000 Norwegian participants with an average age of 41 over approximately 27 years, found that 504 individuals developed ALS during the follow-up period, with the majority being men. Participants reported their physical activity levels through a questionnaire, categorizing themselves into sedentary, moderate (e.g., walking or cycling at least four hours weekly), and high-activity groups (e.g., frequent intense sports or training).
Results indicated that men who reported higher levels of physical activity had a significantly lower risk of ALS compared to those who were less active. Specifically, the most active group showed a 41% lower risk, while the moderately active group had a 29% lower risk, after adjusting for factors such as smoking and body mass index.
The researchers also observed that men with lower resting heart rates, indicating better physical fitness, had a 32% lower ALS risk compared to those with higher rates. However, the study’s limitation included relying on a single questionnaire to assess activity levels, potentially missing changes in exercise habits over time.
Myhre Vaage emphasized that these findings suggest not only does moderate to high physical activity not increase ALS risk, but it may also offer protective benefits against the disease. Further research is needed to explore how exercise influences ALS risk, particularly focusing on gender differences and higher levels of athletic activity.
In conclusion, while there is currently no cure for ALS, these findings highlight the potential of maintaining an active lifestyle as a preventive measure, particularly for men, in mitigating the risk of developing this devastating neurodegenerative disease.
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