Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 18, 2026
04:16
Whole Body Vibration Methods with Survivors of Polio
Published on: October 17, 2018
Aging and sequelae of poliomyelitis.
I Laffont1, M Julia, V Tiffreau
1centre hospitalier régional universitaire de Montpellier, hôpital Lapeyronie, France. i-laffont@chu-montpellier.fr
Annals of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine
|December 1, 2009
Summary
Many polio survivors experience new symptoms like weakness and pain decades later. Post-polio syndrome (PPS) requires multidisciplinary care for late functional deterioration.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Geriatrics
- Rehabilitation Medicine
Background:
- An estimated 50,000 individuals in France survived poliomyelitis in childhood.
- A significant percentage (30-65%) of polio survivors develop new symptoms decades after recovery.
- These late-onset symptoms can severely impact quality of life and daily functioning.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the literature on Post-Polio Syndrome (PPS).
- To understand the characteristics and causes of late functional deterioration in polio survivors.
Main Methods:
- Literature review using PubMed.
- Keywords: "Poliomyelitis" and "Post-Polio Syndrome (PPS)".
Main Results:
- New symptoms include muscle atrophy, weakness, fatigue, and pain, leading to mobility issues and falls.
- Potential causes are multifactorial, including aging, weight gain, respiratory disorders (e.g., sleep apnea), and orthopedic complications (e.g., spinal issues, fractures).
- The onset of authentic Post-Polio Syndrome is a recognized possibility.
Conclusions:
- Late functional deterioration in polio survivors necessitates regular monitoring and preventive strategies.
- Multidisciplinary care is crucial, incorporating physical rehabilitation, orthotics, and assistive devices.
- Prompt and appropriate treatment can manage symptoms and improve functional capacity.
Related Concept Videos
01:17Poliomyelitis
Poliomyelitis is caused by poliovirus, a small, non-enveloped, positive-sense RNA virus of the Picornaviridae family and Enterovirus genus. Transmission occurs primarily via the fecal-oral route, often through ingestion of contaminated water or food. The virus initially replicates in the oropharynx and intestinal mucosa, particularly in lymphoid tissues such as the tonsils, Peyer’s patches, and regional lymph nodes. Primary viremia follows, allowing dissemination throughout the body.In most...
01:25Secondary Spinal Cord Injury llI: Pathophysiology
Early Ischemia and Ionic ImbalanceWithin minutes of spinal cord injury, a secondary cascade begins, progressing over hours to weeks. Vascular damage reduces blood flow, causing ischemia and mitochondrial dysfunction. ATP depletion leads to ion pump failure, membrane depolarization, sodium influx, potassium efflux, and water accumulation, resulting in cellular swelling. Increased intracellular calcium further disrupts mitochondria and accelerates cellular injury.Excitotoxicity and Neuronal...
01:19Multiple Sclerosis l: Introduction
Multiple sclerosis is a chronic autoimmune disease of the central nervous system (CNS) that affects the brain, spinal cord, and optic nerves. It is an inflammatory demyelinating disorder and a leading cause of neurological disability in young adults.EpidemiologyMS commonly begins between 20 and 40 years of age and is twice as common in women. Its exact cause remains unclear, but genetic susceptibility contributes, with higher risk in first-degree relatives and identical twins. A greater...
01:14Spinal Cord Injury ll: Pathophysiology
Spinal cord injury progresses through two interconnected phases: primary injury and secondary injury.Primary InjuryPrimary injury happens at the moment of trauma and involves immediate mechanical damage to the spinal cord.Compression happens when broken vertebrae, herniated discs, or accumulating blood (such as a hematoma) press directly against the spinal cord, distorting its normal shape and function. In cases of contusion, the cord is bruised by a blunt force (like penetrating injuries or...
01:22Botulism
Botulism is a life-threatening neuroparalytic condition caused by botulinum neurotoxin, which is produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum, a Gram-positive, spore-forming, obligate anaerobe.In adults, the toxin enters the body in different ways: in foodborne botulism, the preformed toxin is absorbed in the intestine. In wound botulism, spores grow in injured tissue and release the toxin into the blood. Infant botulism differs mechanistically from adult forms. In infants, botulism commonly...
01:29Pneumonia II: Pathophysiology
The pathophysiology of pneumonia involves the following steps: