Changes in Strength Over Time Among Polio Survivors
Abstract
Objective: To study changes in the strength of a variety of muscle groups in polio survivors over a 6-9 month period. Design: Longitudinal study of a cohort of polio survivors Setting: A research laboratory at Moss Rehabilitation Research Institute Participants: One hundred twenty subjects (57 men and 63 women) were studied on three occasions, each 3-5 months apart. Subjects were recruited through the Einstein-Moss Post-Polio Management Program, newspaper advertisements, and polio support groups. Demographic, medical history data, and strength data were obtained. Subjects were classified based on whether or not they reported subjective feelings of increasing weakness at the initial visit. Main Outcome Measures: Isometric strength of 30 muscle groups (16 in upper extremities and 14 in lower extremities) was measured using a hand-held dynamometer. Results: The data were analyzed in two separate groups: upper extremity muscles and lower extremity muscles. Results for the upper extremity muscles revealed evidence of a significant deterioration in strength over the study interval. The amount of deterioration differed among muscles. The results also showed that the rate of deterioration increased with increasing age. For the lower extremities, there was also evidence of deterioration in strength in the flexor muscles of the ankle, hip, and knee. The rate of deterioration in these muscles was not strongly related to age, gender, symptom status, or history of residual weakness. Conclusions: Our results indicate that strength is deteriorating among polio survivors. However, this deterioration is not occurring in the extensor or so-called "weight-bearing" muscles, but is instead occurring in many of the upper extremity muscle groups and in the flexor muscles in the lower extremities.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 1998
- Accession Number
- ADA376050
Entities
People
- Alberto Esquenazi
- John Whyte
- Marcia Polansky
- Mary A. Keenan
- Mary G. Klein
Organizations
- Jefferson Einstein Hospital