Post-Polio Syndrome as a Model for Musculo-Tendinous Overuse Syndromes in Military and Civilian Populations.

Abstract

Musculoskeletal injuries are common among military recruits: incidence rates of 20-90% have been reported. Of these, as many as 87% are due to overuse. The objective of this project was to predict individual's susceptibility to muscle overuse injury based on their pattern of weakness and to develop ways of preventing and treating these overuse injuries. The hypothesis is that focal weakness predisposes to overuse syndromes related to the weakened muscles and/or those used in compensatory movement strategies. The muscle weakness experienced by many polio survivors results in a pattern of accelerated overuse. This puts this population in a unique position to serve as an accelerated model for the same weakness-overuse-injury cycle experienced by military recruits and occupational athletes. Muscle strength, range of motion, and symptomatology data have been collected on 194 polio survivors and 226 able-bodied subjects. Among polio survivors, overuse symptoms were most common in the wrist, shoulder, knee and foot. There was a decrease in the mean strength of several muscle groups among polio survivors over a 6-9 month period. Several models were developed to define the relationship between specific areas of muscle weakness and overuse symptoms. In many cases, early results support the a priori predictions.

Open PDF

Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jan 01, 1999
Accession Number
ADA366679

Entities

People

  • Mary A. Keenan

Organizations

  • Jefferson Einstein Hospital

Tags

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Bone Diseases
  • Diseases And Disorders
  • Health Services
  • Joint Diseases
  • Medical Personnel
  • Muscular Diseases
  • Neuromuscular Diseases
  • Orthopedic Surgical Procedures
  • Pain
  • Tendons
  • Wounds And Injuries

Fields of Study

  • Medicine

Readers

  • Gulf War Illness and Chronic Multisymptom Illness in Veterans.
  • Neurotrauma and Rehabilitation Medicine.
  • Rehabilitation and Prosthetic Care for Military Service Members and Veterans with Limb Loss or Disability.