The key is further research,’ a World Rugby spokesperson said. Burrow's community started through the documentary to raise awareness and fundraise for those who don't have the same support and network that the former ruby player has. A certain body mass index or muscularity, which makes people more likely to play top-level sports of this kind.

‘While this study is a review of published research over a number of years and therefore not qualitative or rugby specific, we welcome its publication and insights. Sign up to get the latest science news delivered weekly right to your inbox! Therapy can help slow progression in the form of supportive devices and physical therapy. } catch (e) { In the UK, around 5,000 adults are diagnosed with MND.

‘The results of our review found that the risk of developing ALS, or Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis as MND is also known, was eight times more common in professional athletes prone to concussive or neck trauma. Rugby league legend has announced that he is suffering from the debilitating life-shortening disease

I would like to thank Doddie Weir for taking time out recently to meet with Rob and talk about his own personal experiences with MND. mode: 'alternating-thumbnails-a',
“I would like to ask for privacy at this time so I can adjust to the battle I have ahead and so that I can spend time with those closest to me ahead of Christmas and New Year.”. We are now imploring the medical community and sports governing bodies to commission longitudinal studies in this area so that we can better understand any preventative measures available.

We will be developing ways we can best support Rob and his family in the future over the next few weeks and will be hoping to announce plans as soon as possible in the New Year. "It tries to rob you of your breath, but it can't sap your spirit," Burrow says with a smile. As the condition progresses, swallowing and breathing get more difficult. Create a commenting name to join the debate, There are no Independent Premium comments yet - be the first to add your thoughts, There are no comments yet - be the first to add your thoughts.

}); COVID-19 Corona Virus Rugby league star Rob Burrow’s motor neurone disease story hits viewers hard on BBC Two. Gehrig was 36 years old when he was diagnosed and died two years later. The motor neurons in the brain and spinal cord progressively degenerate over time. The 37-year-old chose to make his diagnosis public on Thursday, and the father of three signalled his intention to battle the debilitating disease with all his power.

There may be other factors. Do not reproduce without permission. Please continue to respect all commenters and create constructive debates. }

The 30-minute documentary takes viewers on a very emotional journey, and the rapid transformation Burrow went through as his condition rapidly grew worse. Joost van der Westhuizen was wheelchair bound. Highlights: All Blacks vs Wallabies (Second Test). “As a club, Rob will receive our full support and we will be working with him to chart the way forward. Read Also: Diabetes Drug May Be Effective Treatment for ALS. Former Scotland and British & Irish Lions forward Doddie Weir is also fighting the crippling disease. a || ( a = document.getElementsByTagName("head")[0] || document.getElementsByTagName("body")[0]); It allows our most engaged readers to debate the big issues, share their own experiences, discuss real-world solutions, and more. Former rugby league player, Rob Burrow, was diagnosed with motor neuron disease in December 2019. It later became commonly known as Lou Gehrig's Disease when the famous baseball player, Henry Louis Gehrig from the New York Yankees, was diagnosed with the illness in 1939. try {

Independent Premium Comments can be posted by members of our membership scheme, Independent Premium. Stephen Hawking is also known for having ALS and was paralyzed for several decades. It does not address the actual risk, only a relative risk, while no rugby studies were included in the study. You can find our Community Guidelines in full here. "Then, it takes your legs." Around 30% of people diagnosed with MND die within one year of diagnosis.

Victoria Campbell-Gillies.

c.type = "text/javascript"; c.async = !0; c.id = "CleverNTLoader45247"; c.setAttribute("data-target",window.name); c.setAttribute("data-callback","%%VIEW_URL_UNESC%%"); Start your Independent Premium subscription today. Former Springboks Joost van der Westhuizen and Tinus Linee were diagnosed with MND in 2011 and 2013 respectively. ‘We think the numbers are significant — 8.5 times higher. Rugby league legend has announced that he is suffering from the debilitating life-shortening disease, Find your bookmarks in your Independent Premium section, under my profile.

The Leeds Rhinos legend faces a battle with the neurogenerative disease. Want an ad-free experience?Subscribe to Independent Premium. The findings, based on a review of 16 studies of incidence of the disease, led researchers to identify rugby, football, American football, hockey and motor racing as the sports codes that need further investigation. According to the DailyMail, the study – done by a group of scientists from various medical establishments worldwide – is the most definitive investigation of its kind ever undertaken and has concluded that the risks of developing MND are more than eight times higher among those who sustain repeated blows to the head and spine in top-level sport. Rob Burrow has been diagnosed with motor neurone disease. "I know I have a big challenge in front of me but knowing that I have the love and support of so many people will give me inspiration and strength. Burrow spent his entire professional career with Leeds and became one of their all-time great players, making 492 appearances for the Super League club across 15 trophy-laden seasons and appearing in a record 23 finals, winning more than half of them with 13 different honours to his name. Due to the sheer scale of this comment community, we are not able to give each post the same level of attention, but we have preserved this area in the interests of open debate. a.parentNode.insertBefore(c, a); Our journalists will try to respond by joining the threads when they can to create a true meeting of independent Premium. Former Springboks Joost van der Westhuizen and Tinus Linee were diagnosed with MND in 2011 and 2013 respectively. var c = document.createElement("script");

MND is also known as Lou Gehrig's Disease or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). There is no cure, only prescribed medication to control involuntary muscle movement, cramps, and excess saliva.