Part-time or full-time use of proper seating can prevent severe fatigue and preserve overused muscles. To obtain appropriate seating, consult with a medical professional familiar with seating and mobility, such as a physiatrist, physical therapist, or occupational therapist. Work closely with medical professionals and a certified rehabilitation technology supplier to determine which options will best meet individual needs. In most …

Scoliosis is the term used to describe any lateral curvature of the spine. Kyphosis is a curve in the upper back, commonly called roundback. Lordosis is a curve of the lower spine, commonly called swayback. Individuals can have any combination of curves, including a double scoliotic curve. The spines of some polio survivors develop curvatures due to muscle weakness and …

The role of the respiratory therapist is to institute respiratory treatments prescribed by a physician and to prepare the appropriate interface and ventilator (see Ventilators). Another major role is education. Therapists instruct the individual and attendants/caregivers in the use of the ventilator and related equipment, such as humidifiers, cough machines, suctioning and tracheostomy care (if non-invasive ventilation is not successful), …

Rehabilitation is an ongoing process. Polio survivors who went through rehabilitation after the acute episode of polio should be re-evaluated as their bodies’ capacities change as a result of aging, wear and tear on joints due to unusual biomechanics, and overcompensation due to muscle weakness. New techniques may need to be learned to facilitate independence; new devices, to replace outdated …

Every relationship is built upon unique experiences and qualities. For a relationship to succeed, both individuals will need to cope with any disability. This requires a realistic acceptance of the disability with an emphasis on what one can do, rather than on what one cannot do (see Coping). The following are brief general suggestions on how to maintain personal relationships …

Comprehensive pulmonary function testing is usually done in a pulmonary function laboratory. Simpler tests can also be done in a physician’s office or in the home. Testing most often is used to identify airflow abnormality, reduced lung volume (restrictive abnormality), diffusing capacity changes (as in interstitial disease), and blood gas abnormality (too much carbon dioxide, too little oxygenation). The following …

Health psychology is a discipline and profession that applies the educational, scientific, and professional contributions of psychology to the arena of health. Health psychologists assist individuals in improving their experiences or behaviors related to their health. They use approaches which reinforce the value of coping resources and train individuals to regulate bodily responses to stress and pain. Health psychologists work …

In the early ‘80s, the new problems of polio survivors were brought to the attention of the medical community, and the name game began. Earlier articles referred to “overwork weakness” (Bennett & Knowlton, 1958), “late onset of respiratory failure” (Hamilton et al., 1970), “loss of ambulatory ability” (Anderson et al., 1972), and “delayed effects of poliomyelitis” (Yarnell, 1984). To distinguish …

Women with residuals of poliomyelitis can usually carry a pregnancy to term. However, in some cases, pregnancy can be complicated by the consequences of having had polio. Basic problems include immobility from paralysis, limited strength and increased muscle fatigue, breathing difficulties, and increased nutritional requirements. All pregnant polio survivors should be on supplemental iron, as well as regular recommended supplements, …

Post-polio syndrome (PPS) is now recognized as a new neurological disorder that can develop in people with a past history of poliomyelitis. It has been given a unique code number in the 10th edition of the International Classification of Medial Disorders (ICD-10) in the Neurological Disorders section on Diseases of the Motor Unit. This allows it to be differentiated from …