Physical performance in individuals with late effects of polio

The aim of this study was to evaluate physical performance in individuals with late effects of polio; specifically, to evaluate the effects of reduced muscle strength in the lower limbs. Thirty-two individuals seen at the polio clinic at Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Göteborg, Sweden, participated in the study. Each subject performed a bicycle exercise test in which peak oxygen uptake and anaerobic threshold were determined. Muscle strength in the quadriceps and the hamstrings were measured on an isokinetic dynamometer. Reductions in peak workload, peak oxygen uptake and predicted heart rate were seen. The anaerobic threshold was within or slightly lower than normal limits in relation to predicted maximal oxygen uptake, indicating that the cardio-respiratory system was not limiting performance. The muscle testing demonstrated a significantly lower ability to perform muscle actions compared with individuals from a reference group, and strong correlations were found between muscle strength peak VO2 and peak workload, respectively. Adjusted peripheral muscle endurance training might improve the work capacity in those individuals with weak leg muscles and low oxygen uptake, while individuals with relatively good muscle strength would improve their aerobic fitness in a general fitness program.