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Exercise and Motor Neurone Disease (MND)                  

Exercise is a beneficial and safe way for individuals who have suffer MND to manage symptoms, improve overall health, and enhance quality of life. 

Moderate-intensity, especially designed exercises can help people maintain strength in unaffected muscles, improve flexibility, and reduce pain from stiffness. While exercise cannot reverse muscle damage, it can help manage symptoms when tailored to individual abilities, preferably guided by a physiotherapist. 

Here are recommended types of exercise for MND, focusing on non-fatiguing, low-impact activities:

1. Range of Motion and Stretching Exercises 

These help maintain joint flexibility and prevent stiffness. 

  • Finger/Thumb Stretches: Gently straighten and bend fingers and thumbs, holding for a few seconds.
  • Wrist Flexion/Circles: Bend wrists up and down or make gentle circles to improve hand flexibility.
  • Neck Stretches: Slowly turn the head from side to side to relieve tension.
  • Chest Stretches: Seated in a chair, extend arms to the side and push the chest forward. 

2. Seated Exercises

These are accessible for people who struggle with standing stability. 

  • Seated Marching: March legs one at a time while sitting to improve mobility.
  • Upper Body Twists: Cross arms and slowly twist the torso to the left and right.
  • Arm Curls/Shoulder Press: Use light resistance or simply lift arms to maintain shoulder and arm mobility.
  • Ankle Flexibility: Lift toes high while keeping heels on the floor, then switch. 

3. Low-Impact Aerobic Activities 

  • Hydrotherapy/Swimming: Moving in water is excellent as it provides support, making movement easier and reducing pressure on joints.
  • Walking: Short, gentle walks can maintain muscle strength and improve cardiovascular health.
  • Stationary Cycling: Gentle pedalling on an exercise bike can maintain lower limb mobility. 

4. Breathing Exercises

These are crucial for maintaining lung capacity and clearing the chest. 

  • Deep Diaphragmatic Breathing: Focusing on breathing deeply using the diaphragm rather than just chest muscles.
  • Active-Assisted Breathing: Techniques taught by therapists, such as using an incentive spirometer, can be used. 

Important Safety Considerations

  • Avoid Overexertion: The goal is to avoid over exertion, as this can damage weakened muscle fibres.
  • Conserve Energy: Exercise should be balanced with plenty of rest. If an activity feels too strenuous, reduce the frequency or intensity.
  • Consult Professionals: It is essential to work with a physiotherapist or occupational therapist experienced in neuro-conditions to create a safe, personalised plan.

We at Wenman’s work closely with MND sufferers to enable sufferers remain as active as possible for as long as possible.

  • We have connected up with a qualified Physiotherapist who will meet people at our premises to have a personal one to one and help develop a tailored exercise regime.
  • We have qualified team of Trusted Assessors who come to your home and provide a free report on what equipment will help you remain active and safe

(see https://wenmanhealthcare.co.uk/home-assessments/ )

Please do call our friendly knowledgeable team on 01926624432, visit our web site www.wenmanhealthcare.co.uk for further help and information, including equipment that may assist sufferers (see https://wenmanhealthcare.co.uk/motor-neurone-disease/ ).