IMPACT OF EXERCISE ON SOD1G93A MOUSE MODEL OF AMYOTROPHIC LATERAL SCLEROSIS: A BEHAVIOURAL AND METABOLIC ANALYSIS

Abstract

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative disease marked by the progressive loss of upper and lower motor neurons of the spinal cord, motor cortex, and brainstem. There is no cure for the disease, and current treatments are limited. Exercise is a commonly prescribed non-pharmacological treatment; however, studies have shown mixed results regarding its efficacy. This study explored the impact of exercise on the progression of ALS in SOD1G93A mutant mice by investigating how identified biomarkers were affected by exercise at different time points. Behavioural results indicated early changes in hip movement regardless of exercise, and also showed exercise-dependent changes in ankle movement. In a pilot study investigating blood serum biomarkers, 22 metabolites were identified that showed significant differences between exercise and sedentary groups. These results provide a stepping stone for future investigation to better understand the impact of exercise on ALS progression, and whether its prescription to patients is justified.