Post Polio Syndrome - Management & Treatment in Primary

oCCuPational theraPy and
Introduction
Post Polio syndrome
Geraldine Foley and Róisín Nolan
Approaches to the treatment of the late effects of disability have
become increasingly multidisciplinary and occupational therapists are
included in healthcare provision for persons with post polio syndrome. 1,2
Occupational therapy has a long tradition of working with persons with
disabilities and of facilitating adaptive outcomes in their daily living. 3
Occupational therapists are concerned with how persons engage in
purposeful occupations in the performance of activities of daily living,
work/productivity and leisure activities. 4 Occupational therapists seek
to work from a client centered philosophy. This approach addresses
the physical, psychological and social aspects of care and involves
a collaborative process between clients, their significant others and
healthcare providers in order to promote client participation, client
decision making, exchange of information and respect for client
choice. 5
Occupational Therapy and Post Polio Syndrome
Occupational therapists help persons with post polio syndrome to modify
their lifestyles in order to continue to perform activities that are most
valued to them. 6 Optimum function is best achieved through learning and
using new skills and/or modifying existing life skills to accommodate for
the residual and/or late effects of polio. 7
Studies have shown that purposeful activity in many areas of
occupational performance may be affected by the late effects of post polio
including activities of daily living, work activities and leisure activities, 1,
2, 8-13 which in turn affect quality of life. 14 Personal care and mobility are
considered primary components of activities of daily living. Work and
PPS Mngt and Treat.indb 8 02/07/2007 16:07:49