Key result
Although the 2014 cohort of elderly polio survivors reported significantly more new muscle weakness (95% vs 85%) and use of assistive devices than the 1994 cohort, they experienced only minor subjective worsening of general health.
Observational (n=1,408)
Absolute Event Rate: 95% vs 85%
p-value: p=<0.05
Elderly polio survivors experience new muscle weakness and increasing health problems over a 20-year period, but adapt well with only minor subjective worsening of general health and well-being.
Supports adaptation despite rising weakness in polio survivors; leaves open longitudinal assessment of objective outcomes.
OBJECTIVE: To explore the physical and social situation of the Norwegian polio population in 2014, and to compare the status of this population in 2014 with the results of a similar survey carried out 20 years previously, in 1994. DESIGN: The study was based on a questionnaire covering demographics, polio history, and current medical, psychological and social conditions. SUBJECTS: The questionnaire was prepared in cooperation with the National Society of Polio Survivors and others with known polio (n = 1,968). A total of 1,408 persons responded (72%), mean age 70 years (range 28-98 years). RESULTS: The most frequent health problems reported were muscle and joint pain, cold intolerance and insomnia. New muscle weakness and loss of muscle volume were reported more frequently in 2014 than in the 1994 study. The use of orthopaedic aids, assistive devices, ventilators and other respiratory aids had increased significantly, but 83% reported that they still had no home care or nursing services support. The 2014 polio population reported only minor subjective worsening of health and well-being compared with the 1994 cohort. CONCLUSION: The present study indicates that the elderly polio population are experiencing new muscle weakness and increasing health problems, but that the deterioration occurs slowly and with fewer consequences for the subjective experience of general health and well-being, indicating that the patients are adapting to their life situation. However, subgroups of the elderly polio population are in need of special care.
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Festvåg et al. (2016) conducted an observational in Polio survivors (late effects of poliomyelitis / post-polio syndrome) (n=1,408). Time period (2014 vs 1994) vs. 1994 polio cohort was evaluated on New muscle weakness in extremities previously affected by polio (p=<0.05). Although the 2014 cohort of elderly polio survivors reported significantly more new muscle weakness (95% vs 85%) and use of assistive devices than the 1994 cohort, they experienced only minor subjective worsening of general health.
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