Post Polio Syndrome - Management & Treatment in Primary

Occupational Therapy and Post Polio Syndrome 11
● home modifications and,
● assistive technology,
in order to reduce energy expenditure in every day activity.
An energy conservation program has been developed that includes
education on:
● the neuropsychological basis of fatigue in post polio
syndrome,
● the causes of excessive fatigue and,
● techniques to implement energy conservation. 18
An energy conservation program may be used as a format for education
about energy conservation and work simplification with persons with
post polio.
Upper limb splints and orthoses
The provision of appropriate upper limb splints and orthoses is a focus of
occupational therapy intervention. 5 Upper limb splints and orthoses are
used to support:
● weak joints,
● conserve joint integrity and,
● reduce pain caused by poor upper limb positioning and strain.
A mobile arm support is often used for polio survivors with severe upper
limb proximal weakness. It is attached to a chair or wheelchair and has a
ball-bearing hinge joint at the elbow with a forearm gutter. 19 Provision of
upper limb splints and orthoses remains dependent on adequate guidance
on correct joint positioning, correct body posture and prescribed upper
limb functional exercises in the context of prescribed periods of rest and
work.
PPS Mngt and Treat.indb 11 02/07/2007 16:07:49