ALS and Soccer: Is there a Connection?
August 5, 2003
In May of this year, there was a media report of a suspected cluster of ALS among Italian soccer players. This is an important observation and warrants scientific study, although at this time it is not clear exactly what the possible association between ALS and soccer playing may be. Since the initial report, the Miami Herald and the National Italian American Foundation have announced and published story updates. In its July 30th 2003 story, "ALS Prober Looking at Soccer Move," the Miami Herald reports that a 10-year British study is underway to track the health of soccer players following the deaths of some British soccer players.
Reports of seemingly increased numbers of cases of ALS among athletics and people with athletic body types are not new. Such observations have been reported over the past few decades. Several studies have been conducted based on many of these reports. Some of them are suggestive and interesting, and others have been negative. No conclusive evidence of any specific associations between athletic activities or body type and ALS has been demonstrated, but there are suggestions that need to be clarified with more research.
At this time, many scientists are interested in how the environment - including life style, activities, occupational exposures, diet and environmental toxicants may play a role in ALS - especially in someone who may be genetically susceptible for developing ALS. All of this is still speculation, but a number of scientists believe there is rationale for this theory to contribute, at least in some part, to the pathogenesis of ALS.
Epidemiological review and possible study of this report of increased cases of ALS among the Italian soccer players is important. A well-controlled study could answer the question of whether there is or is not a true increase in the incidence of ALS among these athletes, or if the number of cases can be explained by chance alone. If there is a true cluster here, looking for risk factors and associations could provide a better understanding of ALS and even possible targets for treatment.
The ALS Association has taken a number of steps to support and encourage scientific investigation into the possible role of environmental and life style exposures in development of ALS. ALSA sponsored a scientific workshop on this topic in May 2003. Five studies funded last year by the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registries (associated with the CDC) include ALS. The ALS Association has been involved in the Gulf War ALS studies and the new Veterans Affairs Registry. The investigation of a suspected increase in ALS incidence related to Kelly Air Force Base included ALSA advisors and a prominent role in case ascertainment by The ALS Association's South Texas Chapter.
The suspected cluster of ALS reported among Italian soccer players deserves further exploration to determine if there are risk factors or other information that can lead to a better understanding of the disease.
Contact: alsinfo@alsa-national.org
