The value of a post-polio syndrome self-management programme

Post-polio syndrome (PPS) is characterised by fatigue, pain and neuromuscular weakness often decades after the initial poliovirus infection.This retrospective study evaluated outcomes from the only British residential self-management programme for patients with PPS. This six day, group-based programme also delivered individually tailored "fatigue" and "exercise" management advice. Statistical comparisons of results were made via paired t-test and Wilcoxon signed rank test.Over the course of 17 years, 214 participants [median age 62 (IQR 56-67ys), 63% female] attended the course. On completion, PPS related "knowledge", assessed via the PPS knowledge test, significantly increased [14.0 (11.0–16.0) vs 17.0 (16.0–19.0) points, p=0.001]. At 6 months, "fatigue", as measured by the Multidimensional Assessment of Fatigue scale [37.6 (7.1) vs 34.2 (9.3) points, p=0.005] and "pain" [15.0 (6.1) vs 13.1 (6.7) points, p=0.001], "atrophy" [10.0 (8.0–12.0) vs 9.0 (7.0–11.0) points, p=0.002] and "bulbar symptoms" [3.0 (1.0–5.0) vs 2.0 (0–4.0) points, p=0.003], as measured by the Index of Post-polio Sequelae scale, improved. Participants demonstrated a faster speed over 10 meters [0.77 (0.59–1.00) vs 0.83 (0.67–1.10) m/s, p=0.003] and walked further during a 2-minute walk test [76.9 (31.7) vs 82.0 (38.4) m, p=0.029]. Depression and anxiety scores remained unchanged, and there was no change in self-reported quality of life [60 (50–70] vs 60...
Source: European Respiratory Journal - Category: Respiratory Medicine Authors: Tags: Rehabilitation and chronic care Source Type: research