Knowledge of healthcare professionals about poliomyelitis and postpoliomyelitis: a cross-sectional study

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Postpoliomyelitis syndrome is a clinical condition that can affect poliomyelitis survivors. OBJECTIVE: Our aim was to evaluate knowledge of poliomyelitis and postpoliomyelitis syndrome among Brazilian healthcare professionals. DESIGN AND SETTING: Cross-sectional study conducted at a Brazilian public higher education institution located in the state of Goiás. METHODS: The participants (n = 578) were Brazilian physicians, physical therapists, nurses, nutritionists and psychologists. A self-administered questionnaire (30 questions) was designed to probe knowledge about poliomyelitis and postpoliomyelitis syndrome. From the questionnaire, we created a structured test to objectively evaluate the knowledge of these professionals. The test was composed of 20 questions and was scored over a range from 0 (totally ill-informed) to 20 (totally well-informed). RESULTS: In general, the physicians, physical therapists and nurses demonstrated better understanding of poliomyelitis and postpoliomyelitis syndrome. The healthcare professionals who had received previous information about poliomyelitis and postpoliomyelitis syndrome had significantly higher scores than those who had never received information (P < 0.001). On average, this difference was approximately 28.6%. CONCLUSIONS: The findings from the present study indicate that there is a critical need for improvement of knowledge about postpoliomyelitis syndrome among Brazilian healthcare professionals. The services provided by these professionals may therefore become compromised. Furthermore, public healthcare initiatives should be implemented to improve knowledge among healthcare professionals.

Resultados de um programa de exercício físico combinado na força muscular e capacidade funcional de um indivíduo com síndrome Pós-Poliomielite: relato de caso / Effects of a combined exercise program in muscle strength and functional capacity in a individual with Postpoliomyelitis syndrome: case report

A Poliomielite Anterior Aguda (PAA) é uma patologia causada por um enterovírus, que predominantemente prejudica os neurônios motores inferiores, o que causa a paralisia muscular flácida e assimétrica, principalmente nos membros inferiores e que, tardiamente causa sintomas neuromusculares e declínio funcional denominados como Síndrome Pós-Poliomielite (SPP). Objetivo: Aplicar um programa de exercícios combinado e verificar os resultados na força muscular e capacidade funcional de um indivíduo idoso, com SPP. Métodos: A amostra foi composta por 1 mulher, idade 66 anos, com SPP, hipertensão arterial sistêmica, dislipidemia, hipotireoidismo. A força muscular foi mensurada por meio do teste de 7 ­ 10 repetições máximas (RM). A distância percorrida ao pedalar foi realizada por meio do Teste 12 minutos adaptado e o equilíbrio dinâmico foi avaliado por meio do Timed Up & Go Test. Os exercícios foram realizados em 2 séries de 10 repetições, com intensidade de 60% de 1 RM, por 24 semanas. Resultados: Após 24 semanas, a força muscular de MMII apresentou aumento de 333,3% e a força de MMSS 216,5%. O equilíbrio dinâmico melhorou 34,3%. A distância percorrida ao pedalar aumentou 11,8%. Conclusão: Os dados por nós obtidos sugerem que pessoas com SPP, mesmo que idosas, poderão se beneficiar de um programa de exercícios para aumento da força muscular e melhora da capacidade funcional, porém é importante que outros estudos sejam desenvolvidos para verificar esses resultados em um número maior de pessoas.

Postpoliomyelitis Syndrome is a enterovirus pathology, which predominantly damages the lower muscles, which cause flaccid and asymmetric muscle paralysis, based on lower and late neuromuscular and functional symptoms denominate Postpoliomyelitis Syndrome (PPS). Objective: To apply a combined exercise program and to verify the results on the muscle strength and functional capacity of an elderly individual with PPS. Methods: The sample was one women, 66 years old, with comorbities hypertension, dyslipidemia, hypothyroidism. Muscle strength was measured by 7 - 10 maximal repetitions (MR) test. The distance traveled pedaling was performed by Adapted 12-minute Test and the balance was evaluated by Timed Up & Go Test. The muscle strength training was intensity 60% of a one maximum repetition. Results: After 24 weeks, the muscular strength of lower limbs increased 333.3% and the upper limbs, 216.5%. The balance improved 34.3%. The distance traveled pedaling increased 11.8%. Conclusion: The results suggest that individuals with PPS, even if elderly, may benefit from an exercise program to increase muscle strength and improve functional capacity, but it is important that other studies are developed to verify these results in a larger number of individuals.

Psychometric Properties of Three Fatigue Rating Scales in Individuals With Late Effects of Polio

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the psychometric properties of the Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS), the Fatigue Impact Scale (FIS), and the Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory (MFI-20) in persons with late effects of polio (LEoP). More specifically, we explored the data completeness, scaling assumptions, targeting, reliability, and convergent validity. METHODS: A postal survey including FSS, FIS, and MFI-20 was administered to 77 persons with LEoP. Responders received a second survey after 3 weeks to enable test-retest reliability analyses. RESULTS: Sixty-one persons (mean age, 68 years; 54% women) responded to the survey (response rate 79%). Data quality of the rating scales was high (with 0%–0.5% missing item responses), the corrected item-total correlations exceeded 0.4 and the scales showed very little floor or ceiling effects (0%–6.6%). All scales had an acceptable reliability (Cronbach’s α≥0.95) and test-retest reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient, ≥0.80). The standard error of measurement and the smallest detectable difference were 7%–10% and 20%–28% of the possible scoring range. All three scales were highly correlated (Spearman’s correlation coefficient r(s)=0.79–0.80; p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The FSS, FIS, and MFI-20 exhibit sound psychometric properties in terms of data completeness, scaling assumptions, targeting, reliability, and convergent validity, suggesting that these three rating scales can be used to assess fatigue in persons with LEoP. As FSS has fewer items and therefore is less time consuming it may be the preferred scale. However, the choice of scale depends on the research question and the study design.

Assessment of energy expenditure in individuals with post-poliomyelitis syndrome / Avaliação do gasto energético nos indivíduos com síndrome pós-poliomielite

ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to identify energy expenditure, retrospectively, in individuals with post-poliomyelitis syndrome (PPS) in the Brazilian population. Methods The Baecke questionnaire for the evaluation of habitual physical activity (HPA), assessment of quality of life (WHOQOL-Bref), and the Fatigue Severity Scale were administered to patients with PPS, poliomyelitis sequelae (PS) and to a control group (CG). Participated in the study 116 individuals (PPS=52,PS= 28,CG=36). Results Patients with PPS tended to increase their HPA from 10 to 20 years of age, compared with those in the PS group and the CG. In the period from 21 to 30 years of age, there was significant increase in the PPS group’s occupational physical activity compared to the PS group, and the occupational physical activity (21-30 years of age) correlated with the onset of symptoms of PPS. Conclusion Patients with PPS had a higher energy expenditure during life, especially in occupational physical activity at ages 21-30 years, suggesting this decade is critical for the development of PPS.

RESUMO O objetivo deste estudo foi identificar o gasto energético, retrospectivamente, em indivíduos com síndrome pós-poliomielite (SPP) na população brasileira. Métodos Foi utilizado o questionário Baecke para avaliação da atividade física habitual (AFH) nos pacientes com SPP, sequela de poliomielite (SP) e grupo controle (GC). Participaram do estudo 116 indivíduos (SPP = 52, SP = 28, GC = 36). Resultados Pacientes com SPP tendem a aumentar a AFH dos 10 aos 20 anos, comparados com os grupos SP e GC. No período dos 21 aos 30 anos, houve aumento significativo da atividade física ocupacional do grupo SPP em relação ao grupo SP e a atividade física ocupacional (21-30 anos) correlacionou-se com o aparecimento dos sintomas da SPP. Conclusão Pacientes com SPP apresentam maior gasto de energia durante a vida, especialmente na atividade física ocupacional nas idades 21-30 anos, sugerindo que esta década é crítica para o desenvolvimento da SPP.

Currents issues in cardiorespiratory care of patients with post-polio syndrome / Tópicos atuais no tratamento cardiorrespiratório de pacientes com síndrome pós-poliomielite

ABSTRACT Post-polio syndrome (PPS) is a condition that affects polio survivors years after recovery from an initial acute attack of the poliomyelitis virus. Most often, polio survivors experience a gradual new weakening in muscles that were previously affected by the polio infection. The actual incidence of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) in individuals suffering from PPS is not known. However, there is a reason to suspect that individuals with PPS might be at increased risk. Method A search for papers was made in the databases Bireme, Scielo and Pubmed with the following keywords: post polio syndrome, cardiorespiratory and rehabilitation in English, French and Spanish languages. Although we targeted only seek current studies on the topic in question, only the relevant (double-blind, randomized-controlled and consensus articles) were considered. Results and Discussion Certain features of PPS such as generalized fatigue, generalized and specific muscle weakness, joint and/or muscle pain may result in physical inactivity deconditioning obesity and dyslipidemia. Respiratory difficulties are common and may result in hypoxemia. Conclusion Only when evaluated and treated promptly, somE patients can obtain the full benefits of the use of respiratory muscles aids as far as quality of life is concerned.

RESUMO Síndrome pós-polio (SPP) é uma condição que afeta sobreviventes da poliomielite aguda (PAA), anos após a recuperação de um ataque agudo inicial do vírus. Na maioria das vezes, os sobreviventes da polio começam a apresentar nova paresia gradual nos músculos que foram previamente afetados pela infecção. A incidência real de doenças cardiovasculares (DCV) em indivíduos que sofrem de SPP não é conhecida. Entretanto, há indícios para suspeitar de que sujeitos com SPP podem estar em maior risco. Método Realizou-se uma busca de artigos nas bases de dados: Bireme, Scielo e Pubmed, utilizando as seguintes palavras-chave: síndrome pós-poliomielite, função cardiorrespiratória e reabilitação, nos idiomas Inglês, Francês e Espanhol. Embora tenhamos selecionado um número expressivo de artigos, somente foram considerados os duplo-cegos, randomizados-controlados, além de consensos. Resultados e Discussão Certas características da SPP, tais como fadiga muscular, paresia, dor muscular e/ou articulares podem resultar em descondicionamento por inatividade física, além de obesidade e dislipidemia. Dificuldades respiratórias são comuns e podem resultar em hipoxemia. Conclusão Somente quando avaliados e tratados em tempo hábil, alguns pacientes são capazes de obter os benefícios do uso dos músculos respiratórios auxiliares em termos de qualidade de vida.

Falls in Korean Polio Survivors: Incidence, Consequences, and Risk Factors

Falls and fall-related injuries are important issue among polio survivors. The purpose of this study was to determine the incidence of, and consequences and factors associated with falls among Korean polio survivors. A total of 317 polio survivors participated in this study. All participants completed a questionnaire including fall history, symptoms related to post-polio syndrome and other information through a telephone interview. Among them, 80 participants visited our clinic for additional physical measurements and tests. Of the 317 respondents, 68.5% reported at least one fall in the past year. Of the fallers, 42.5% experienced at least one fall during one month. Most falls occurred during ambulation (76.6%), outside (75.2%) and by slipping down (29.7%). Of fallers, 45% reported any injuries caused by falls, and 23.3% reported fractures specifically. Female sex, old age, low bone mineral density, the presence of symptoms related to post-polio syndrome (PPS), poor balance confidence, short physical performance battery and weak muscle strength of knee extensor were not significantly associated with falls. Only leg-length discrepancy using spine-malleolar distance (SMD) was a significant factor associated with falls among Korean polio survivors. Our findings suggest that malalignment between the paralytic and non-paralytic limb length should be addressed in polio survivors for preventing falls.

Post-Polio Syndrome and Risk Factors in Korean Polio Survivors: A Baseline Survey by Telephone Interview

OBJECTIVE: To obtain information on the socioeconomic, medical, and functional status of polio survivors, and to use these results as the preliminary data for establishing the middle-aged cohort of polio survivors. METHODS: The subjects were recruited based on the medical records of multiple hospitals and centers. They were assessed through a structured questionnaire over the phone. Post-poliomyelitis syndrome (PPS) was identified according to the specified diagnostic criteria. Differences between polio survivors with or without PPS were evaluated, and the risk factors for PPS were analyzed by the odds ratio (OR). RESULTS: Majority of polio survivors were middle-aged and mean age was 51.2+/-8.3 years. A total of 188 out of 313 polio survivors met the adopted criteria for PPS based on the symptoms, yielding a prevalence of 61.6%. Mean interval between acute poliomyelitis and the development of PPS was 38.5+/-11.6 years. Female gender (OR 1.82; confidence interval [CI] 1.09-3.06), the age at onset of poliomyelitis (OR 1.75; CI 1.05-2.94), the use of orthoses or walking aids (OR 2.46; CI 1.44-4.20), and the history of medical treatment for paralysis, pain or gait disturbance (OR 2.62; CI 1.52-4.51) represented independent risk factors for PPS. CONCLUSION: We found that the majority of Korean polio survivors entered middle age with many medical, functional, and social problems. Female gender, early age of onset of poliomyelitis, the use of orthoses or walking aids, and the history of medical treatment for paralysis, pain or gait disturbance were identified as the significant risk factors for PPS. A comprehensive and multidisciplinary plan should be prepared to manage polio survivors considering their need for health care services and the risk factors for late effects, such as PPS.

Foot Drop of Contralateral Limb after Deformity Correction in a Polio Patient: A Case Report / 대한족부족관절학회지

Postpoliomyelitis syndrome is a common neurological disorder that occurs in patients who have experienced paralytic poliomyelitis. Recently, as a result of vaccination against poliovirus, incidence of poliomyelitis is exceedingly low. However, many patients with postpolio syndrome may encounter anesthesia when undergoing surgery, such as for correction of foot deformity and other operations. We report on a 45-year-old woman who experienced paralysis of her contralateral limb after operation on the left foot under spinal anesthesia. Postoperative electromyography/nerve conduction study (EMG/NCS) was performed in order to determine the cause of paralysis. Motor power of the sequelae involved leg showed improvement with time and recovered fully to the preoperative level at six months after the index operation. A precise evaluation, including a physical examination and EMG/NCS, should be performed preoperatively when spinal anesthesia is planned for postpolio syndrome patients.

Circadian variation of fatigue in both patients with paralytic poliomyelitis and post-polio syndrome / Variacao circadiana da fadiga em ambos os grupos de pacientes com poliomielite paralitica e sindrome pos-poliomielite

Objective It was to evaluate the degree of fatigue in patients with paralytic poliomyelitis (PP) and with post-polio syndrome (PPS), and correlate it with parameters of sleep and the circadian cycle. Methods Thirty patients, 17 female (56.7%), participated in the study: they answered the Revised Piper Fatigue Scale and performed a nocturnal polysomnographic study. Eleven had PP (mean age±standard deviation of 47.9±6.4 years), and 19 had PPS (mean age±standard deviation of 46.4±5.6 years). Results Our study showed that fatigue was worse in the afternoon in the PP Group and had a progressive increase throughout the day in the PPS Group. We also observed compromised quality of sleep in both groups, but no statically significant difference was found in the sleep parameters measured by polysomnography. Conclusion Fatigue has a well-defined circadian variation, especially in PPS Group. Poor sleep quality is associated with fatigue and, therefore, sleep disturbances should be evaluated and treated in this group of PPS. .

Objetivo Foi avaliar o grau de fadiga em pacientes com poliomielite paralítica (PP) e com síndrome pós-poliomielite (SPP), e correlaciona-lo com parâmetros de sono e ciclo circadiano. Método Trinta pacientes, 17 do sexo feminino (56,7%), participaram do estudo: responderam à Escala de Fadiga de Piper Revisada e submeteram-se à avaliação polissonográfica noturna. Onze apresentavam PP (média de idade±desvio padrão de 47,9±6,4 anos), e 19 apresentavam SPP (média de idade±desvio padrão de 46,4±5,6 anos). Resultados Nosso estudo mostrou que a fadiga é pior no período da tarde no grupo com PP e piora progressivamente ao longo do dia no grupo SPP. Observamos também comprometimento na qualidade do sono em ambos os grupos. Contudo, os parâmetros do sono avaliados pela polissonografia não demonstraram diferenças estatísticas significantes entre os grupos PP e SPP. Conclusão A fadiga apresenta variação circadiana bem definida, especialmente nos pacientes do grupo SPP. Pobre qualidade do sono está associada com fadiga e, portanto, distúrbios do sono deveriam ser mais bem avaliados e tratados no grupo de pacientes com SPP. .

Lung function in post-poliomyelitis syndrome: a cross-sectional study / Funcao pulmonar em pessoas com sindrome pos-poliomielite: um estudo transversal

OBJECTIVE: To compare lung function between patients with post-poliomyelitis syndrome and those with sequelae of paralytic poliomyelitis (without any signs or symptoms of post-poliomyelitis syndrome), as well as between patients with post-poliomyelitis syndrome and healthy controls. METHODS: Twenty-nine male participants were assigned to one of three groups: control; poliomyelitis (comprising patients who had had paralytic poliomyelitis but had not developed post-poliomyelitis syndrome); and post-poliomyelitis syndrome. Volunteers underwent lung function measurements (spirometry and respiratory muscle strength assessment). RESULTS: The results of the spirometric assessment revealed no significant differences among the groups except for an approximately 27% lower mean maximal voluntary ventilation in the post-poliomyelitis syndrome group when compared with the control group (p = 0.0127). Nevertheless, the maximal voluntary ventilation values for the post-poliomyelitis group were compared with those for the Brazilian population and were found to be normal. No significant differences were observed in respiratory muscle strength among the groups. CONCLUSIONS: With the exception of lower maximal voluntary ventilation, there was no significant lung function impairment in outpatients diagnosed with post-poliomyelitis syndrome when compared with healthy subjects and with patients with sequelae of poliomyelitis without post-poliomyelitis syndrome. This is an important clinical finding because it shows that patients with post-poliomyelitis syndrome can have preserved lung function. .

OBJETIVO: Comparar a função pulmonar de pacientes com síndrome pós-poliomielite à de pacientes com sequelas de poliomielite paralítica (sem quaisquer sinais ou sintomas de síndrome pós-poliomielite) e à de sujeitos saudáveis. MÉTODOS: Vinte e nove sujeitos do sexo masculino foram divididos em três grupos: controle, poliomielite (pacientes que sofreram de poliomielite paralítica, mas que não apresentaram síndrome pós-poliomielite) e síndrome pós-poliomielite. Os voluntários foram submetidos a avaliações da função pulmonar (espirometria e avaliação da força muscular respiratória). RESULTADOS: Os resultados da espirometria não revelaram diferenças significantes entre os grupos, à exceção da ventilação voluntária máxima, cuja média no grupo síndrome pós-poliomielite foi aproximadamente 27% mais baixa que no grupo controle (p = 0,0127). No entanto, os valores de ventilação voluntária máxima observados no grupo pós-poliomielite foram comparados aos da população brasileira e se apresentaram dentro da faixa normal. Não foram observadas diferenças significantes entre os grupos no tocante à força muscular respiratória. CONCLUSÕES: À exceção da ventilação voluntária máxima mais baixa, não houve comprometimento significante da função pulmonar em pacientes ambulatoriais com diagnóstico de síndrome pós-poliomielite quando comparados a pacientes com sequelas de poliomielite, mas sem a síndrome pós-poliomielite e a sujeitos ...

Effects of Dăoyĭn Qìgōng in postpolio syndrome patients with cold intolerance / Efeitos do Dăoyĭn Qìgōng em pacientes com síndrome pós-pólio com queixa de intolerância ao frio

Postpolio syndrome (PPS) is characterized by progressive muscle weakness due to former infection with poliomyelitis and can be associated with other symptoms such as cold intolerance (CI). Dăoyĭn Qìgōng (DQ) is a technique in Traditional Chinese Medicine that impacts the circulation of energy and blood. OBJECTIVE: It was to verify the effects of DQ in PPS patients complaining of cold intolerance. METHODS: Ten PPS patients were assessed using the visual analogue scale (VAS) adapted for CI before and after intervention with DQ; patients practiced it in a sitting position for 40 minutes, 3 times per week over 3 consecutive months. Patients were reassessed three months after ceasing DQ. RESULTS: There was a statistically significant difference in local and systemic VAS-Cold both at the end of DQ training and three months past the end of this. CONCLUSION: The DQ technique ameliorated CI complaints in patients with PPS.

A síndrome pós-poliomielite (SPP) é caracterizada por instalação de nova fraqueza muscular às manifestações residuais da poliomielite, associada a outros sintomas, como intolerância ao frio (IF). O Dăoyĭn Qìgōng (DQ) é uma técnica da medicina tradicional chinesa que interfere na circulação da energia e do sangue. OBJETIVO: Foi verificar os efeitos do DQ em pacientes com SPP com queixa de intolerância ao frio. MÉTODO: Dez pacientes com SPP foram avaliados com a escala visual analógica (EVA) adaptada para IF antes e após intervenção com DQ, adaptados para a posição sentada, com duração de 40 minutos, 3 vezes por semana, durante 3 meses. RESULTADOS: Verificou-se diferença estatisticamente significante, na EVA-frio local e sistêmica, após o término do treinamento. CONCLUSÃO: O DQ é uma técnica que interferiu positivamente na queixa de IF em pacientes com SPP.

Gerenciamento da dor na Síndrome Pós-poliomielite: estudo de caso / Pain management in Postpoliomyelitis Syndrome: case study

A Síndrome Pós-Pólio (SPP) caracteriza-se por um novo episódio de fraqueza muscular e/ou fadiga muscular anormal em indivíduos que apresentaram poliomielite anterior aguda (PAA) anos antes. Ainda são poucos os relatos na literatura sobre o gerenciamento da dor na SSP. O objetivo deste trabalho é analisar o controle da dor na síndrome pós-pólio por meio de um relato de caso. Um homem de 57 anos com SPP foi submetido a 24 sessões de fisioterapia para controle do quadro álgico na síndrome, baseada em recursos eletrotermofototerápicos e cinesioterapia. Para análise da dor pré e pós-intervenção fisioterapêutica foram aplicados dois instrumentos: a Escala Analógica Visual (EVA) e a Intensidade de Dor Presente (ID). O quadro álgico no joelho direito sofreu redução de grau 8 para 4 pela EVA e grau 5 para 2 pela ID, enquanto a dor no tornozelo direito reduziu de grau 2 pela EVA e grau 1 pela ID para zero em ambas as escalas. A dor é apontada como um sintoma predominante por muitos pacientes com SPP. O sujeito deste relato, após o programa de tratamento, apresentou melhora expressiva da dor. Entretanto, devido à escassez da literatura sobre dados substanciais referentes ao seu gerenciamento, especialmente na fisioterapia, novos estudos devem ser propostos para gerar maior fundamentação teórica à abordagem fisioterapêutica na SPP.

The Post-polio Syndrome (PPS) is characterized by a new episode of muscular weakness and/or abnormal muscular fatigue in subjects that presented acute previous polio (APP) years ago. There still are few studies about the pain management at PPS. The aim of this study is to analyze pain´s management in PPS by a case report. A men with PPS, 57 years, was submitted to 24 sessions of physical therapy for pain´s control in PPS, based at electro-thermo physical therapy features and therapeutics exercises. For pain´s analysis, pre and post physical therapy interventions were applied two instruments: the Analogic Visual Scale (AVS) and Present Pain Intensity (PPI). The pain in right knee was reduced from grade 8 to 4 on AVS, grade 5 to 2 on PPI, while the pain in his right ankle decreased from grade 2 on AVS and 1 on PPI to zero in both scales. The pain is the predominant symptom for many patients with PPS. This relate, the patient after program of treatment presented an improvement of pain. However, because of there are few studies in the literature about the pain management, especially in physical therapy, new studies must be proposed to generate more theorical at Physical therapy intervention in PSS.

Información, autoayuda y creación de identidades: las tecnologías de la información y la comunicación (TIC) y las asociaciones de discapacitados físicos. El ejemplo de la poliomielitis / Information, self-help and identity creation: information and communication technologies (ICTs) and associations for the physically disabled. The example of poliomyelitis

El objetivo del trabajo es estudiar la calidad de las páginas web de asociaciones de personas afectadas por poliomielitis y síndrome postpolio, como uno de los sistemas de intercambio de información y de visibilidad social de las personas con discapacidades físicas. Se realizó un estudio descriptivo de carácter transversal; fueron evaluadas 375 páginas web que cumplían los criterios de inclusión, encontradas a través del motor de búsqueda Google. La calidad fue estudiada a través de 22 variables, 8 de las cuales conforman el "Indicador de Credibilidad". Ninguna de las páginas cumplió con todos los criterios de calidad ni con los 8 puntos del Indicador de Credibilidad. Se observa una correlación positiva entre las variables de calidad y los criterios de credibilidad (r de Pearson = 0,81, p<0,001), por lo que se sugiere el Indicador de Credibilidad como una herramienta útil para determinar la calidad de las páginas web. Su uso debe complementarse con otro tipo de acercamientos cualitativos que exploren el contexto de las relaciones expertos-legos y las funciones que dichas páginas cumplen.

The aim of this paper is to study the quality of the websites of associations for people with polio and post-polio syndrome as an example of an important method for exchanging information and promoting the social visibility of physically disabled people. A descriptive cross-sectional study of 375 sites that met inclusion criteria, found using of the Google search engine, was carried out. The quality was studied through 22 variables, 8 of which make up the "Credibility Indicator". None of the websites met all the quality criteria nor all 8 items in the Credibility Index. A positive correlation between the variables of quality and credibility criteria (Pearson r = 0.81, p<0.001) was observed, therefore the Credibility Index is suggested as a useful tool for determining the quality of the websites. However, this tool must be supplemented with other qualitative approaches that explore both the contexts of lay-expert relationships and the function these sites serve.

Post-polio syndrome: renaissance of poliomyelitis?: [review] / Síndrome pós-polio: renascimento da poliomielite?: [revisão]

Poliomyelitis is an acute and infectious viral disease, transmitted primarily through oral-fecal contact or directly, person to person. Approximately 90% of the individuals infected by the polio virus do not present symptoms; however, the affected individuals can show a variety of symptoms if the virus reaches the bloodstream. In up to 2% of cases, the virus reaches the central nervous system preferably infecting and destroying the motor neurons, resulting in muscular weakness and acute flaccid paralysis. Despite the expressive reduction in the number of cases, many people live with the consequences of the acute illness, thus representing a burden to the public healthcare systems. Many of these people present new manifestations as signs and symptoms that are called post-polio syndrome. It can be defined and characterized by new neuromuscular symptoms, which occur at least 15 years after a period of clinical and functional stability in patients with previous history of symptomatic poliomyelitis. The signs and symptoms characterizing the post-polio syndrome include new muscular weakness, muscular fatigue and atrophy, pain in joints and muscles, sleep disorders, intolerance to cold, respiratory and swallowing difficulties, and recent weight gain. Therefore, the aim of this review is to present the physiological changes caused by the new manifestation of symptoms in individuals with poliomyelitis.

A poliomielite é uma doença aguda e infecciosa causada por vírus, cuja transmissão ocorre primariamente pela via oral-fecal ou por transmissão direta, de pessoa a pessoa. Aproximadamente 90% dos infectados pelo vírus da poliomielite não apresentam sintomas, entretanto, os indivíduos afetados podem exibir uma variedade de sintomas se o vírus atingir a corrente sanguínea. Em até 2% dos casos, o vírus atinge o sistema nervoso central infectando e destruindo, preferencialmente, os neurônios motores, levando o indivíduo a um quadro de fraqueza muscular e paralisia flácida aguda. Apesar da expressiva diminuição do número de casos de poliomielite, muitas pessoas convivem com as consequências da doença aguda, onerando os sistemas públicos de saúde. Muitas destas pessoas apresentam uma nova manifestação de sinais e sintomas que em conjunto foram denominados de síndrome pós-poliomielite, esta pode ser definida e caracterizada por novos sintomas neuromusculares que ocorrem ao menos 15 anos após um período de estabilidade clínica e funcional ter sido atingida, em pacientes com história prévia de poliomielite sintomática. Os sinais e sintomas que caracterizam a síndrome pós-poliomielite são: a nova fraqueza muscular, a fadiga muscular, a atrofia muscular, a dor muscular e articular, distúrbios do sono, a intolerância ao frio, dificuldades respiratórias e de deglutição e o aumento recente de peso. Portanto, o objetivo desta revisão é apresentar as alterações fisiológicas decorrentes da nova manifestação de sintomas nas pessoas com poliomielite.

Classification and surgical treatment of pelvic obliquity secondary to poliomyelitis in the adult / 中华骨科杂志

Objective To describe a new classification of pelvic obliquity secondary to poliomyelitis,and investigate the operative indications and effective surgical modes. Methods Fifty-six adult pelvic obliquity secondary to polio were reviewed. The pelvic obliquity was divided into two types and three kinds according to the causes of deformity, X－ ray films of pelvic and gait. Six surgical methods were chosen respectively to correct the deformities. Results All the patients were followed-up for 10 to 80 months(mean 28 months). Complete correction of pelvic obliquity was obtained in 11 patients and major correction in 45 patients. The average corrective rate was 78.3％ . Conclusion Not all the patients with pelvic obliquity after polio need surgical treatment. This new classification has great help to surgical planning and to improve the operative effects.

Clinical Features of Sequelae in Poliomyelitis Patients

The Postpoliomyelitis syndrome (PPS) is characterized by new neuromuscular symptoms such as muscle weakness, joint pain, fatigue, and occasional new neuromuscular impairments. Although the development of PPS shows individual differences, it usually occurs many years after the recovery from an acute paralytic poliomyelitis. The purpose of this study was to investigate the incidence and the clinical features of PPS. The subjects were 33 patients(26 males and 7 females) who had partial recoveries of motor function, ten or more years of functional stabilities, and residual muscle atrophies. The mean age was 36.8?7.7 years with the range of 23 - 59 years. The average onset age of acute poliomyelitis was 2.3 - 1.5 years. The questionnaires asking their current physical conditions and three major categories of PPS symptoms, weakness, fatigue, and pain were used. As the sequelae of poliomyelitis, 66.7% of the subjects showed scoliosis and 39.4% had claw toes. Thirty six percents of the subjects were using orthoses including wheelchair, KAFO, and crutches. According to the questionnaire study, 72.5% of subjects had at least one of the three major symptoms. And 36.4% of them reported all of three categories of PPS symptoms. The onset age of the new neuromuscular symptoms was 34.2?8.3 years which was about 32 years after the original acute poliomyelitis. Further researches to investigate the importance and the impacts of proper managements and to develop educational plans for the PPS including exercise programs, cardiopulmonary and energy-conservation trainings are recommended.