Abstract :
Background: Almost 80 lakh people are affected by polio in India. Post-polio syndrome (PPS) refers to a clinical disorder affecting polio survivors’ years after the initial polio attack. These patients report new, late onset, neuromuscular symptoms like fatigue, pain, new and unusual muscular deficits, and decreased functional abilities. Although these are common problems in individuals with PPS, less research especially in India, has examined the role that these symptoms might exert on physical or psychological function.
Aims: To find co-relation of pain, fatigue, functional capacity with function in subjects with Post-Polio Syndrome.
Design: Co-relational study.
Methods: A convenience sample of 20 subjects with PPS according to Halstead criteria 1985 was selected. Pain was examined using Brief Pain Inventory (BPI), Fatigue by fatigue severity scale (FSS) and functional capacity by 2 minute walk distance. Physical and psychological functions were examined using PROMIS (Patient Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System) and PHQ-9 (Patient Health Questionnaire-9) questionnaires.
Statistical Analysis: Spearman’s test for co-relation was applied.
Results: A positive linear co-relation was found between functional capacity and physiological function (r = 0.873); negative linear co-relation between functional capacity and psychological function (r = -0.743). Fatigue showed a positive linear correlation with psychological function (r = 0.486). A negative correlation was calculated between pain and fatigue with physical function (r = -0.258; r = -0.396 respectively). Correlation of pain and psychological function (r = 0.130) was weak.
Conclusion: Reduced functional capacity co-relates with the physical and psychological function of subjects with PPS, and fatigue co-relates with psychological function. Physiotherapy for decreasing pain, fatigue and improving functional capacity may improve physical and psychological function
Keyword :
Physical function, Psychological function, Pain, Fatigue, Functional capacity.