DISABILITY IN POLIOMYELITIS SEQUELAE

Patients who have been affected by poliomyelitis may develop new sympt oms such as muscle weakness, muscle atrophy, muscle or joint pain, and unexplained fatigue several decades after the onset of their poliomye litis (post-polio syndrome [PPS]). We report on the results of our stu dy of 59 patients with poliomyelitis using a number of instruments for disability assessment, including a 4- to 5-year follow-up. The main i mpact of disability for most patients is in mobility-related activitie s Dependence in personal activities of daily living is fairly rare, wh ereas dependence and difficulties in instrumental activities of daily living (eg, cooking, transportation, cleaning shopping) are more commo n and also more severe in persons with PPS Mental health, emotional re actions and social activity, interaction, and isolation are usually le ss affected, although considerable coping problems may occur, especial ly in persons with PPS who have new health problems and increasing dis abilities. Examples of disabilities, intervention measures, and coping processes are given with case reports. The importance of a broad and interdisciplinary approach is emphasized, in which impairment as well as disability aspects should be considered in treatment and interventi on programs.