Assessment and Treatment of Shoulder Dysfunction in Post-Polio and Elderly Populations

Abstract

Abstract : The objective of this project was to study the implications of musculoskeletal pain in the lives of polio survivors and older adults with no history of polio, in terms of the effects on functional performance and quality of life, and to determine whether these factors could be significantly improved as the result of a rehabilitation program. Muscle strength, activity, and symptomatology data were collected on 129 polio survivors and 191 adults with no history of polio. polio survivors were more likely to develop musculoskeletal symptoms than strength-matched controls. Musculoskeletal pain, in general, was associated with activity intensity measures in the post-polio population. A scientific model was developed for predicting the presence of shoulder symptoms in polio survivors using logistic regression. Knee extensor strength and weight were identified as risk factors. However, this model could not be generalized to older adults without a history of polio. Exercise and relaxation therapy showed potential as effective treatments for shoulder overuse symptoms. A comparison of sit-stand performance pre- and post- intervention revealed that shoulder symptom resolution was better correlated with changes in biomechanics than changes in lower extremity strength.