Polio and Mobility
What's New in Polio and Mobility Research at MRRI
Our recent publication
"Save Our Shoulders: A Guide for Polio Survivors" is now available for download.
Click here to view or download this brochure (1.48mb PDF file)
|
For more information on Polio and Mobility Research, call the Polio and Mobility research office at
(215) 456-4993
|
Many polio survivors are experiencing problems with muscle weakness after decades of functional stability. While many of
these problems are considered typical of a normal aging population, the development of symptoms appears to occur at an accelerated
rate in polio survivors. At this time questions exist about the relationship between physical activity and function in the
post-polio population. And, little is known about the pattern of physical activity among older people with chronic illness
and/or disability.
Polio survivors experiencing problems with changing muscle strength that may be related to the late effects of polio may be
eligible to participate in this project, the goal of which is to look at how physical activity is related to health status
in the post-polio population over time. Participating involves coming to the research office for a minimum of two visits,
one week apart. The activities completed at each visit provide information about health, activity and function.
Participants are asked to answer questions about their health and normal activities, have leg strength measured, and to walk
a short distance. Participants are also asked to wear a device that looks like a pager on one ankle over the course of a
week. This device collects information about physical activity.
If you would like to participate, please contact the research office at 215-456-4993.
Post-Polio Research
Treatment of Shoulder Dysfunction in Polio Survivors and Elder Adults with Lower- Extremity Impairment -- Part II
Mary Klein, PhD, Principal Investigator;
Alberto Esquenazi, MD; Mary Ann Keenan, MD, Co-investigators
In our previous research on polio survivors, we determined that shoulder pain was one of the most frequent overuse symptoms
seen in the post-polio population. We developed a predictive model of shoulder pain that demonstrated that lower-extremity
weakness and weight were associated with the presence of shoulder overuse symptoms. This suggested that these symptoms may
arise from use of the upper extremities to compensate for lower-extremity weakness during mobility-related tasks like transferring
from a sitting position to a standing position. Although numerous articles have been published on the importance of exercise
and physical activity in promoting health and preventing disease, there are still many unanswered questions about whether
exercise can be used to effectively treat or even prevent the development of secondary disabilities, particularly those related
to overuse.
In this project, subjects with shoulder pain potentially attributable to overuse will be randomly assigned to one of two 16-week
exercise programs. One program will involve exercises for the upper extremities only and the other will involve exercise for
the lower extremities only. Data on the changes in shoulder symptoms, strength, and activity level will be collected. Subjects
will also undergo a detailed evaluation of their behavior and muscle activity in the Gait and Motion Analysis Lab. The objective
is to determine whether the strengthening program resulted in a reduction of the upper-extremity loading or the stress on
the arms due to weight-bearing during a chair rise task.
