Post-polio syndrome: assessments, pathophysiology and progression

While there have been many reports of the decline in motor function in pati ents with prior-polio, there have been few reports of quantitative changes in muscle function and the pathophysiological mechanisms for the deteriorat ion are poorly understood. This paper describes the establishment of a post polio clinic and the principles adopted in quantitative muscle testing usin g twitch interpolation. Peripheral endurance and/or voluntary drive to musc les is impaired in about 30 % of prior-polio patients attending the clinic. Progression of these deficits is slow and not easily predicted by factors associated with the original illness.