Rugby and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: Demystifying the Connection
An expert in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), an incurable disease that affects the muscles, has stated that there is no direct causal relationship between playing rugby and the development of this condition. This statement comes in the wake of the news that Lewis Moody, former captain of the English rugby team, has been diagnosed with ALS. This disease has also claimed the lives of other prominent players such as Doddie Weir, Rob Burrow and Joost van der Westhuizen. Ed Slater, Leicester and Gloucester second row, also received the same diagnosis in 2022. Dr. Nick Cole, head of research at the ALS Association, explains that research suggests that a combination of factors is responsible for this progressive disease that attacks the brain and spinal cord.
Dr. Cole added that numerous studies have been conducted to identify potential common factors or causes related to sports and exercise.There is no concrete and definitive link between rugby and ALS.
Dr. Nick Cole
Although some small studies have suggested an increased risk in professional athletes, the perception may be influenced by the visibility of public figures who share their experiences. However, it is important to remember that six people are diagnosed with ALS every day.
Genetic predisposition, lifestyle, and environment are key factors in the development of ALS. Sport could be a contributing factor, but many other areas of the biology of the disease are being investigated to find effective treatments. Lewis Moody: Who is the England World Cup winner? What is ALS? Significant advances have recently been made in the treatment of a genetic form of ALS, although it is not yet available in the public health system. Research, funded by the ALS Association, has driven many of these discoveries, and more drugs are expected to be developed in the future. However, neurodegenerative diseases are complex, and a cure could arrive “tomorrow or within several years”. Dr. Cole emphasized that ALS is not intractable, but rather lacks sufficient funding for research. Increased funding is needed to advance the search for effective therapies. Friends and former teammates of Moody at Leicester, Geordan Murphy and Leon Lloyd, have created a GoFundMe page. Dr. Cole highlighted that the disease can be very rapid in some people, with a third of patients dying within two years of diagnosis. In addition, adapting housing and medical care can be costly, and the disease can prevent people from working.
