Postural control in persons with late effects of polio

Abstract

Persons who have suffered from acute poliomyelitis may decades later experience reduction of balance and gait capacity due to muscle weakness, fatigue and/or pain. This may affect the activity level in daily life of these persons. The aim of this study was to describe observer assessed and subjectively perceived postural control in persons with late effects of polio and to evaluate the correlation between postural control and gait velocity for this population. 50 persons (mean age 59.8 yrs) with diagnosed polio disease and without other causes of mobility disorders were included. Balance was tested with the Timed Up and Go test (TUG), the Functional Reach test (FR) and the Falls Efficacy Scale (FES) (Swedish Version). Gait velocity over 30 m was measured for convenient and maximal velocity. The subjects had reduced balance (TUG mean 9.0 sec, FR mean 23.5 cm) and perceived balance problems in ADL items (FES(S) median 119.5, normal value 130). They also showed reduced gait velocity compared to healthy persons of the same age (mean 1.01 m/s compared to 1.30 m/s, convenient speed). Correlations were demonstrated between the reduced balance and decreased convenient and maximal gait velocity (TUG/gait velocity: r = -0.7 (convenient), r = -0.8 (maximal), p <or= 0.01). The knowledge of reduced balance and gait velocity in persons with late effects of polio may have an impact on how to provide service to this group to ensure safety in activities in daily life, including gait.