THE ROLE OF PHYSIOTHERAPY IN PATIENTS WITH AMYOTROPHIC LATERAL SCLEROSIS – LITERATURE REVIEW

Abstract

Introduction: Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative motor disease, characterized by progressive degeneration that affects both upper motor neurons, located in the motor cortex and brainstem, and lower motor neurons located in the spinal cord. Physiotherapy plays an important role in the treatment, focusing on maintaining the patient's functionality and independence, as well as preventing contractures and respiratory complications, promoting a better quality of life for them. Objective: the objective of this study was to carry out a literature review with a bibliographic survey on the care and benefits of physical therapy in patients with ALS, attributing improvement in complaints and symptoms, functionality and quality of life, also showing the perception of these patients in relation to the treatment. physical therapy. Methodology: The present study was a literature review carried out in specific databases, with articles in Portuguese and English. As inclusion criteria, articles published in the last eight years were used, which addressed the role of physical therapy in patients with ALS and the view of these patients about the effect of physical therapy in improving their main complaints and quality of life. Articles with more than eight years of publication, literature/systematic review studies and articles outside the proposed theme were excluded from the study. Result: The search in the databases resulted in a total of 132 articles, which were submitted to an analysis and selection of titles and abstracts, totaling 7 works at the end for inclusion in the study. Conclusion: It is concluded that the role of physiotherapy in ALS is extremely important for patients, it acts directly in reducing symptoms, relieving pain, improving motor and respiratory dysfunctions, providing patients with adaptation in their limitations, as well as stimulation to preserve what is still preserved, promoting well-being, comfort and a better quality of life.