Prevalence of potential sports-associated risk factors in Swiss amyotrophic lateral sclerosis patients.

ABSTRACT:

Objectives

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) has been reported to occur with increased incidence amongst physically active people. The role of extrinsic risk factors as physical activity, head trauma and drug/pesticide-exposure in the pathophysiology of ALS and especially in the context of practising sports remains controversial.

Materials and methods

We retrospectively studied exposure to extrinsic factors in 92 ALS patients in the presymptomatic stage. Metabolic equivalents (METs) were calculated and the association of physical activity, drug intake, head trauma and participation in specific sports (football [soccer], ice hockey) with age at symptom-onset was evaluated.

Results

Ninety-five percent of patients considered themselves physically active before symptom-

SUBMITTER: Feddermann-Demont N 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5390828 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature