Postural control in persons with late effects of polio

Improving Strength and Fatigue Resistance in Post-Polio Syndrome Individuals with REAC Neurobiological Treatments

Post-Polio Syndrome (PPS) is a chronic condition characterized by the emergence of new symptoms and functional decline in individuals who previously had polio. Despite advances in medical understanding, management of PPS remains challenging. This study aimed to evaluate the use of neurobiological modulation treatments using Radio Electric Asymmetric Conveyer (REAC) technology on fatigue and muscle strength. An open-label study was conducted with 17 patients submitted to four neuromodulation protocols: Neuro Postural Optimization (NPO), Neuro Psycho Physical Optimization (NPPO), Neuro Psycho Physical Optimization-Cervico Brachial (NPPO-CB), and Neuromuscular Optimization (NMO). The Time Up and Go (TUG) test, Handgrip Strength Test, and Revised Piper Fatigue Scale (RPFS) were used to assess participants' fatigue and muscle strength, being applied at the beginning and end of each protocol. The results obtained from the improvement in strength, physical endurance, and particularly the RPFS behavioral dimension, affective dimension, and psychological sensory dimension, through the utilization of REAC neurobiological modulation treatments, highlight this correlation. These results suggest that these treatments could be considered as a potential therapeutic approach for PPS.

Effects of 18 months of GH replacement on cardiovascular risk factors and quality of life in GH deficient adults; a randomized controlled trial using a fixed very low and a standard dose of GH

OBJECTIVE

Little is known of the effects of a fixed very low dose of growth hormone (GH) replacement on cardiovascular risk factors, bone mass, muscle strength and quality of life (QoL) in hypopituitary patients.

DESIGN/PATIENTS/METHODS

This was an open-label randomized study performed at a single center. Consecutive hypopituitary patients with adult onset GH deficiency (GHD) and BMI ≥ 27 kg/m² were randomized to receive a very low fixed dose of GH (LG, n = 9) or a standard dose of GH (SG, n = 9). Body composition, glucose and lipid metabolism, bone mineral content (BMC) and density (BMD), muscle strength, and QoL were measured at baseline and after 6, 12 and 18 months.

RESULTS

The fixed GH dose in LG was 0.1 mg/day. In SG, the mean baseline GH dose of 0.13 mg/day was gradually increased to 0.31 mg/day at study end. Lean body mass (LBM) as measured using DEXA as well as total body water (TBW) and extracellular water (ECW) were increased only in SG (P < 0.01, P < 0.05, and P < 0.01 vs. LG, respectively). There were no between-groups differences in BMD, BMC, insulin sensitivity, lipids, or muscle strength. Finally, although not significant compared with SG, a sustained improvement in QoL was seen in LG according to the QoL-AGHDA questionnaire.

CONCLUSION

In this pilot study, a fixed very low GH dose improved QoL in GHD adults without any induction of fluid retention. Other effects were comparable to those produced by the standard GH dose. Replacement with a very low GH dose could therefore be a treatment option in hypopituitary patients, especially in patients who do not tolerate higher GH dosage. Trial registration This study is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov, EU-nr 2009-016783-37.

Psychometric Properties of the Walking Impact Scale (Walk-12) in Persons with Late Effects of Polio

BACKGROUND

Many persons with late effects of polio (LEoP) perceive walking limitations in everyday life. A common rating scale to assess walking limitations is the Walking Impact Scale (Walk-12). However, there is limited knowledge about its psychometric properties.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the psychometric properties of Walk-12 in persons with LEoP.

DESIGN

Rasch model analysis of cross-sectional data.

SETTING

University hospital.

PARTICIPANTS

A total of 325 persons with LEoP (175 women; mean age 70 ± 10 years).

MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENT

The Walk-12, comprising 12 items with five response categories ranging from 1 (not at all) to 5 (extremely).

METHODS

Data of Walk-12 were collected by a postal survey. The Rasch model analysis was used to analyze unidimensionality of the scale, local dependency, targeting, hierarchical order of items, Differential Item Functioning (DIF), response category functioning, and reliability (Person Separation Index, PSI). Raw score transformation to interval measurements was also performed.

RESULTS

The analysis revealed that Walk-12 was multidimensional and suffered from some local dependency. Targeting was compromised among persons with less and more walking limitations. Hierarchically, the most difficult item to perform was "running" and the easiest was "walking indoors with support". There was a minor DIF for gender in one item ("support when walking outdoors"). Reliability was high (PSI = 0.94). Disordered response category thresholds were found for three items; when merging the middle response categories for these items model fit slightly improved and unidimensionality was achieved.

CONCLUSIONS

The Walk-12, in its current version, does not fully meet the rigorous psychometric Rasch measurement standards in persons with LEoP. Further development of the scale is warranted, including merging response categories and complementing Walk-12 with objective measures of gait in order to improve targeting. As these limitations can be considered minor, the current version of Walk-12 can still be useful for research and clinical practice.

Is Intervention to Prevent Falls Necessary in Prior Polio Patients?

Objective

To investigate whether intervention to prevent falls is necessary in prior polio patients, by identifying the frequency, circumstances and consequences of falls among patients in Sweden with prior polio.

Subjects

Patients with prior polio diagnosis.

Methods

A falls history questionnaire was completed by patients with prior polio visiting the outpatient clinic at the Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Danderyd University Hospital, Stock-holm, Sweden, or participating in group activities organized by the patient organization.

Results

A total of 80 patients answered the questionnaire; 32 men and 48 women. Eighty-one percent (n = 63/77) of respondents walked outdoors, but rarely more than 1 km, or only inside and near the house. Three-quarters of patients had fallen one or more times over the past year and one-quarter of patients had fallen 5 times or more. The falls often occurred during daytime in an environment known to the patient. Sixty-nine percent (n = 40/58) of respondents had been injured due to falling during the past year. The most common injuries were minor injuries.

Conclusion

Falls are common in patients in Sweden with prior polio. Interventions to prevent falls in people with prior polio are therefore clinically relevant.

Factors associated with falls in Japanese polio survivors

Purpose: To identify factors associated with falls in Japanese polio survivors and assess the extent of their impact.Materials and methods: Subjects were 128 polio survivors. Fall history and fear of falling, lower limb muscle strength, gait ability (determined by walking speed and number of steps per day), post-polio syndrome incidence, and orthosis or walking aid use were assessed, and factors associated with falls were identified using logistic regression analysis.Results: The fall rate was 64%. Fallers (subjects with one or more falls in the preceding 12 months) had low lower limb muscle strength, slow walking speed, high total scores on the Fall Efficacy Scale-International, which assesses fear of falling, and a high orthosis use rate. Knee extension muscle strength on the weaker side was identified as a main factor influencing risk of falls (odds ratio: 0.72, 95% confidence interval: 0.56-0.96). Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis gave a cutoff value for knee extension muscle strength on the weaker side of 0.42 N/kg or lower.Conclusion: Low knee extension muscle strength on the weaker side was associated with falls, but predictive ability using a single internal factor might be poor. It appears that a comprehensive examination, including other factors, is required.Implications for rehabilitationAs polio survivors age, their risk of falling increases.To identify polio survivors who are at risk of falls, it is important to determine the factors associated with falls and their influence on fall risk.The results of this study showed that reduced knee extension muscle strength on the weaker side was a risk factor for falls in polio survivors.To precisely predict the risk of falls in polio survivors, a comprehensive evaluation of both internal and external factors is required.

Lower-limb muscle strength, static and dynamic postural stabilities, risk of falling and fear of falling in polio survivors and healthy subjects

INTRODUCTION

This study investigated the association between preserved lower-limb muscle strength, dynamic and static postural stability, risk of falling, and fear of falling in polio survivors. We also investigated whether these clinical features differ between polio survivors and healthy controls. Methods: This quasi-experimental study enrolled 16 polio survivors (13 underwent a complete-case analysis) and 12 age- and sex-matched healthy controls. Participants were assessed by the manual muscle test, Berg Balance Scale, force platform posturography, and Falls Efficacy Scale. Between-group mean differences with confidence intervals (MD, CI 95%) and Spearman's ρ are reported. Results: Compared to healthy controls, polio survivors presented reduced muscle strength (MD = -13, CI 95% -16 to -9 points), lower dynamic postural stability (MD = -14, CI 95% -19 to -8 points), and increased fear of falling (MD = 14, CI 95% 10-18 points) (all P < 0.001). In polio survivors, lower-limb muscle strength was correlated with dynamic (ρ = 0.760) and static postural stability (ρ = 0.738-0.351), risk of falling (ρ = -0.746), and fear of falling (ρ = -0.432). Dynamic postural stability was correlated with risk of falling (ρ = -0.841), fear of falling (ρ = -0.277), and static postural stability (ρ = -0.869 to -0.435; ρ = -0.361 to -0.200, respectively). Risk and fear of falling were also correlated (ρ = 0.464). Discussion: Polio survivors exhibited impaired dynamic postural stability but preserved static stability and increased risk of falling and fear of falling. Preserved lower-limb muscle strength, postural stability, fear of falling, and risk of falling are associated clinical features in this population.

Predictors of changes in gait performance over four years in persons with late effects of polio

BACKGROUND

Reduced gait performance is common in persons with late effects of polio.

OBJECTIVE

To identify predictors of change in gait performance over four years in persons with late effects of polio.

METHODS

Gait performance was assessed annually in 51 ambulatory persons (mean age 64 years, SD 6) by the Timed "Up & Go" (TUG), Comfortable and Fast Gait Speed (CGS, FGS), and 6-Minute Walk Test (6MWT). Isokinetic knee extensor and flexor muscle strength was measured with a Biodex dynamometer. Mixed Linear Models were used to analyze changes in gait performance and to identify any predictors of change among the covariates gender, age, body mass index, time with new symptoms, baseline reduction in gait performance and knee muscle strength.

RESULTS

There were significant linear effects over time (reduction per year) for three gait performance tests; CGS (0.8%; p < 0.05), FGS (1.7%; p < 0.001), and 6MWT (0.7%; p < 0.05) with significant random effects for all tests. The strongest predictor of a change in gait performance was the individual variations in the knee flexor strength (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

The small gradual reduction in gait performance over time in persons with late effects of polio is primarily determined by the individual variations in the knee flexor strength.

Characteristics of Patients at First Visit to a Polio Clinic in Sweden

AIM

Describe polio patients visiting a polio clinic in Sweden, a country where vaccination was introduced in 1957.

DESIGN

A consecutive cohort study.

PATIENTS

Prior polio patients.

METHODS

All patients (n = 865) visiting the polio clinic at Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg Sweden, between 1994 and 2012 were included in this study. Data at first visit regarding patient characteristics, polio classification, data of electromyography, origin, assistive devices and gait speed as well as muscle strength were collected for these patients. Twenty-three patients were excluded because no polio diagnosis could be established. A total of 842 patients with confirmed polio remained in the study.

RESULTS

More than twenty percent of the patients were from countries outside the Nordic region and considerably younger than those from the Nordic region. The majority of the emigrants were from Asia and Africa followed by Europe (outside the Nordic region). Of all patients included ninety-seven percent (n = 817) had polio in the lower extremity and almost 53% (n = 444) had polio in the upper extremity while 28% (n = 238) had polio in the trunk, according to clinical classification of polio. Compared with a sample of the normal population, the polio patients walked 61-71% slower, and were 53-77% weaker in muscle strength of the knee and foot as well as grip strength.

CONCLUSION

The younger patients with polio emigrating from countries with different cultures may lead to a challenge for the multi professional teams working with post-polio rehabilitation and are of importance when planning for the care of polio patients the coming years.

Test-retest reliability and minimal detectable change scores for fitness assessment in older adults with type 2 diabetes

PURPOSE

To assess the intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) and to determine the minimal detectable change (MDC95 ) scores of the data for the Hand Grip Strength Test, the Chair Sit and Reach Test (CSRT), the Timed "Up and Go" (TUG) test, the 6-Minute Walk Test (6MWT) and 30 seconds Sit to Stand Test (30s-STS) test in older adults with type 2 NIDDM.

DESIGN

Test-retest reliability.

METHODS

Eighteen subject participated in two sessions (1 week apart), which included the different tests.

FINDINGS

High ICCs (≥ 0.92) were found for all tests. The MDC₉₅ scores were as follows: 4.0 kg for Hand Grip Strength Tests, 7.5 cm for the right leg-CSRT, 9.0 cm for the left leg-CSRT, 1.0 second for the TUG test, 27 m for the 6MWT, and 3.3 repetitions for the 30s-STS test.

CONCLUSIONS

All tests evaluated are reliable outcome measures for type 2 NIDDM patients.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

This study has generated novel MCD₉₅ data, which will assist nursing practitioners in both prescribing the most beneficial exercise and interpreting posttreatment changes after rehabilitation in patients with T2DM.

Fear of falling, fall-related self-efficacy, anxiety and depression in individuals with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

OBJECTIVE

To examine the risk and frequency of falls, prevalence of fear of falling and activity avoidance, the magnitude of fall-related self-efficacy, and anxiety and depression in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

DESIGN AND SETTINGS

A cross-sectional study in patients with a diagnosis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease who visited a lung clinic at a university hospital in Sweden.

SUBJECTS

Successive inclusion from autumn 2005 to spring 2006 of 80 patients with a mean age of 65 years.

INTERVENTION

Nil.

MAIN MEASURES

A questionnaire about fall history and consequences of fall, The Falls Efficacy Scale, Swedish version, and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale were used.

RESULTS

Twenty patients (25%) reported at least one fall in the last year and 29% displayed fear of falling. Odds ratio for falling was 4-5 times higher in patients with severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Older patients, women and patients with previous falls had a higher rate of fear of falling, and those with fear of falling had lower fall-related self-efficacy, increased level of anxiety and depression, more activity avoidance and use of assistive device.

CONCLUSION

The increased risk of falls in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease warrants attention in order to reduce serious and adverse health consequences of falls.

A weak balance: the contribution of muscle weakness to postural instability and falls

Muscle strength is a potentially important factor contributing to postural control. In this article, we consider the influence of muscle weakness on postural instability and falling. We searched the literature for research evaluating muscle weakness as a risk factor for falls in community-dwelling elderly individuals, for evidence that strength training reduces falls, and for pathophysiological evidence from patients with neuromuscular disease that supports the link between muscle weakness and falls. In virtually all studies that included strength testing, muscle weakness was a consistent risk factor for falls in the elderly. Studies that evaluated the merits of muscle strength training often showed a reduction in fall rates, particularly when strength training was a component of a multifactorial intervention, although it was unclear whether strength training alone led to a fall reduction. Surprisingly few studies addressed the pathophysiological relationship between muscle strength and balance control. We conclude that muscle weakness is an important risk factor for falls that is potentially amenable to therapeutic intervention, and that future studies should further clarify the role of muscle weakness in balance control and the pathophysiology of falls.