A 15-year follow-up of neuromuscular function in patients with prior poliomyelitis

A population-based cohort of poliomyelitis survivors was established and followed for 15 years (mean time since poliomyelitis was 40 years). Over time, the cohort demonstrated only a modest decline in function as measured by strength measurements, electrophysiologic assessments, and timed functional tasks. There was no association between symptoms of late deterioration and magnitude of decline. Rather, the presence of these symptoms was associated with the magnitude of the residual deficits.