The impact of rehabilitative interventions on quality of life: a qualitative evidence synthesis of personal experiences of individuals with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

The nature of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is progressive and degenerative, thus influencing individuals physically, emotionally, and socially. A broad review of qualitative studies that describe the personal experiences of people with ALS with physiotherapy, occupational therapy and speech and language pathology interventions, and how those affect QoL is warranted.

This study synthesizes qualitative research regarding the potential that rehabilitation interventions have to maintain and/or improve QoL from the perspective of people with ALS.

The SPIDER search strategy was applied and five articles met inclusion criteria addressing the perceived impact of rehabilitation on QoL for individuals with ALS.

Four themes emerged: the concept of control; adapting interventions to disease stage; struggles with interventions; and barriers between healthcare providers and patients.

Rehabilitation interventions were perceived to have potential to support QoL by people with ALS. Advantages and limitations of rehabilitation services within this population were identified.