NCHPAD is now featuring a series of current articles pertaining to physical activity and disability. Each abstract concludes with practical pointers for research application. View them at http://www.ncpad.org/content/11/Research.

- Exercise for Persons with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS): Relative to the control subjects, participants in the exercise group demonstrated a smaller decrease in muscular strength and functional capacity, less pain, and a lower perceived deterioration in quality of life. While there appears to be unfavorable consequences for persons with ALS to participate in physical activity, this study has shown that some of the diminished health factors associated with ALS can be attenuated with exercise. http://www.ncpad.org/138/1092/The~value~of~muscle~exercise~in~patients~with~amyotrophic~
lateral~sclerosis~

- Dance-Based Exercise Program for Persons with Severe Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA): This study is unique as there is very little research on severe RA (Functional Class III status) and exercise. In addition, it suggests that persons with Functional Class III RA can sustain an exercise program at a moderate intensity for a sufficient time (at least 25 minutes) to allow for training benefits, per American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) criteria. A dance-based, rhythmic exercise program may offer much more than physical benefits, as movement and music together, individually or in a group setting, can provide a very pleasant and uplifting exercise experience with very positive effects on mood state as well as cardiovascular health and mobility. http://www.ncpad.org/135/1070/Feasibility~of~an~eight-week~dance-based~exercise~program~and~its~effects~on~locomotor~ability~
of~persons~with~Functional~Class~III~rheumatoid~arthritis~