Acute Anterior Poliomyelitis among Service Personnel in Malta

our experience with regard to paralysis of any part of the body. The largest number of recoveries took place during the first three months after onset-at a time (as it happened) when little physical treatment was available. A second though much smaller peak in the recovery rate, which occurred during the 9-12 months period, may have been due in part to the influence of treatment. Although the part played by physiotherapy seems to be small, in that no known treatment can bring about regeneration of grossly damaged anterior horn cells, the prevention of contractures and the maintenance of joint mob.lity are of great value. When recovery is slow and imperfect the importance of muscle training is especially noteworthy. It is therefore only in the early and complete recoveries that physical treatment seems superfluous.