Vidcast:  https://youtu.be/IgGZzDbDMRk

 

Intense, consistent physical activity at work may nearly double your risk of developing amyotrophic lateral sclerosis,  the progressive loss of your ability to control your muscles that is better known as Lou Gehrig Disease.  German investigators studied 393 persons diagnosed with ALS who completed detailed questionnaires about their physical activity at work and play during each decade of their adult lives.  Controls were 791 age and gender-matched persons without ALS.

 

Exercise was categorized as heavy if it was sweat-producing playing sports or doing heavy, physical work.  Light activity included walking and recreational cycling.  The tabulated data showed that heavy occupational work exercise increased ALS risk by 1.97 times but physical activity of all intensities during leisure produced no additional risk.

 

Know that ALS is a rare disease, but this study raises a more important question.  Is the human nervous system subject to overuse?  It’s another argument for moderation, especially in the workplace. Rather than toting those heavy crates, use power assists.  Use teamwork to share physical stresses.

 

https://n.neurology.org/content/early/2021/10/20/WNL.0000000000012829

 

#als #amyotrophiclateralsclerosis #overuse #exercise #strain