Post Polio Syndrome - Management & Treatment in Primary

Occupational Therapy and Post Polio Syndrome 9
productive activities relate primarily to performance in the areas of home
and job management. Leisure activities commonly include recreational
activities and pursuits. It is often the case that leisure activities become
a low priority for persons with post polio syndrome as reduced energy
levels may be focused towards maintaining independence in essential
activities of daily living. 9 In addition, healthcare provision may not
adequately address this component of occupational performance.
Performance Components affected by Post Polio Syndrome for
Occupation
The common physical symptoms referred to as post polio syndrome
include:
● fatigue,
● weakness,
● muscle atrophy, and,
● joint or muscle pain
and are seen in those who have a residual deficit from their paralytic
poliomyelitis. 15 In addition, persons with post polio syndrome may also
demonstrate a number of psychological and social problems in relation to
living with the chronic effects of post polio syndrome. 1 An occupational
therapist seeks to address all performance components of occupational
performance including both the physical, psychological and social effects
of living with post polio.
The physical components addressed by occupational therapists
include:
● range of motion,
● muscle strength, and
● endurance.
Limitations in these physical components may indicate the need for
the provision of specific assistive devices, adaptive techniques and/
or the implementation of energy conservation guidelines to optimise
performance in activities of daily living.
PPS Mngt and Treat.indb 9 02/07/2007 16:07:49