Men who make it a point to exercise may be lowering their risk for ALS Research suggests that only a moderate level of exercise is necessary The new study found no similar benefit for women, however THURSDAY, June 27, 2024 (HealthDay News) -- The search for a cure for ALS has been elusive, but researchers may have identified a way to lower a man's risk in the long run. Staying fit and getting moderate levels of exercise may lower the chances for in later life, Norwegian researchers reported June 26 in the journal . They did not find a similar link between physical activity and women's risk of ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig's disease.
"There have been conflicting findings on levels of physical activity, fitness and ALS risk," said study author Dr. Anders Myhre Vaage, of in Norway. "Our study found that for men, living a more active lifestyle could be linked to a reduced risk of ALS more than 30 years later.
" ALS is a neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. Over time, people lose their ability to eat, speak, move and even breathe. There is no cure.
The new study included more than 373,000 people in Norway (average age, 41). During a followup that averaged 27 years, 504 developed ALS. Of those, 59% were men.
For the study, participants completed a questionnaire about their physical activity level. They listed their activity in one of four categories: sedentary; at least four hours a week of walking or cycling; at least four hours a week of.