Long answer short – YES! Exercise can make a world of difference to those with Motor Neuron Disease (MND).

MND is a degenerative disease that affects the functioning of motor neurons in the brain and spinal cord. As the disease advances, voluntary action becomes more and more difficult to perform. Stiff joints and tight muscles impede everyday activities. Although the muscle damage is irreversible, the right type of exercise can certainly slow down the rate of degeneration of neurons and the subsequent muscle loss. 

How does exercise help MND? 

Exercise helps maintain strength and endurance  in the weakened muscle. Even the muscles that have not yet been damaged and weakened by the disease can also fortify their strength and improve their elasticity. Some important benefits of exercise are:

Prevents shortening and/or tightening of muscles; this helps to keep you mobile for as long as possible

Improves range of movement (specially for joints); this in turn improves posture and balance

Improves circulation through active muscle movement

Since MND results in gradual motor impairment, part of the treatment and care is stem cell therapy, occupational therapy, speech and language therapy, and physiotherapy.