In a pilot study of postpolio syndrome patients, a multidisciplinary rehabilitation approach involving tailored physiotherapy exercises has shown to have significant benefit on muscle endurance, exertion, and depression levels for up to 6 months.The program begins by determining the polio survivor’s maximum exercise capability with the help of the clinic physical therapist. The type of exercise can be in a pool or on dry land, using an arm erqometer or an exercise bicycle, depending on the individual’s abilities and preferences. If one prefers swimming, the maximum number of laps that the patient can swim is used as the maximum exercise capability. If the survivor has considerable residual weakness and is only able to swim one lap in half an hour, then the amount of time actively swimming can be used as the maximum exercise capability rather than the number of laps.Physiotherapy is a cornerstone of management of polio and post polio syndrome.

polio

Types of polio 

Spinal Paralytic poliomyelitis: In this the motor neurons in the anterior horns of spinal cord are affected. Paralysis is usually asymmetrical, predominantly involves proximal muscle with pain and tenderness. Most commonly it affects the leg. Extent of weakness can vary from a single muscle group to complete tetraparesis.

Bulbar Paralytic poliomyelitis: It occurs due to damage to the medulla, pons and midbrain with dysfunction of the cranial nerve nuclei and respiratory and vasomotor regulating centres in the medulla. It can lead to respiratory muscle failure, distress of respiratory control, dysphagia, dysphonia and dysarthria. Cardiovascular, sweating and gut mobility disturbances may occur.

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Bulbospinal paralytic poliomyelitis: It is also known as respiratory poliomyelitis. It has symptoms both of spinal cord and bulbar poliomyelitis. It affects the part of spinal cord C3 to C5 segments and causes paralysis of the diaphragm. Dysphagia and respiratory failure follow.

Polio encephalitis: There is inflammation of motor neurons within the brain stem, motor cortex and the spinal cord. It leads to the stiffness of back and neck, muscle cramps, headaches and paraesthesias. Paralysis occurs within 10 days after symptoms develop progress in 2 to 3 days and complete by the time fever subsides.

The treatment involves 3 steps:

Cardio Exercise : According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, cardio training is typically more often recommended to post-polio patients over resistance training exercises. Heavy lifting is not advised since over training may further weaken the muscles rather than strengthen them. The ideal cardio exercise for post-polio patients is swimming since you are not putting any stress on the muscles and joints.

Yoga : Yoga is a recommended form of exercise by the Post-Polio Health International organization. Benefits of yoga include better balance, improved flexibility and a reduction in pain symptoms. If you are taking a class, take a gentle or beginner’s class that has you do a mix of stretching, deep breathing and meditation exercises. In the class, you should have access to a chair or wall for support during the moves if you need it.

Range of Motion Exercises : Range of motion exercise can help polio survivors maintain function and have the ability to comfortably move the joints to complete activities like walking. The National Center on Physical Activity and Disability recommends an exercise called the Breathing Tree. To begin, stand with your arms at your sides and your legs hip-width apart. As you inhale, bring your hands over your heads and then back down as you exhale. Repeat this motion several times. Proceed to lift your hands to shoulder height and turn your head to the side. Twist at the waist to move your body in the same direction as your head. Repeat the move on the other side of your body.

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You’ll need to listen to your body while participating in any form of exercise when suffering from post-polio syndrome. Stop if you feel overly tired or your muscle weakness symptoms worsen. If you feel any pain or it takes you a long time to recover after exercise, discontinue your workouts until you speak to your doctor.