REVELA PROJECT: MOTOR CARE FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH
AMYOTROPHIC LATERAL SCLEROSIS
Neuromuscular Diseases, Motor Symptoms, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, Physiotherapy
Motor deterioration during Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is due to a several factors, in addition to the characteristic of progressive involvement of motor neurons. Patients with ALS experience important functional dysfunctions because of disease progression. Therefore, motor symptoms deserve important observation and evaluation, as the ALS motor and functional deficit leads to high levels of motor limitations and participation restrictions. Although there is an increase in the number of publications related to ALS and the great awareness and information campaign about the condition, it is still common for physical therapists to find it difficult to elaborate adequate treatment plans, due to the great clinical variability and individual progression. The objectives of this
doctoral thesis include a longitudinal cohort study that analyzes in long-term motor symptoms of individuals with ALS, a clinical guideline that points out the best interventions for the treatment of motor symptoms in ALS, a systematic review to providing evidence clear about the most effective motor physical therapy methods/techniques and promotion of health education on ALS for caregivers, relatives and patients.