The Physical Therapy Management of a Patient with Post Polio Syndrome in the Sub Acute Setting: A Case Report

Background and Purpose: Little literature exists addressing gait disorders in patients with PPS. However, some studies show that submaximal aerobic training and low intensity LE resistance training can increase both strength and endurance, leading to improvements in mobility. It is hypothesized that interventions increasing muscle strength will lead to improvements in ambulation. The purpose of this case report is to describe a submaximal aerobic intervention to improve strength and ambulation in a patient with PPS. Case Description: The patient is a 92-year old male who has PPS. The PT intervention consisted of submaximal resistance training to improve LE strength and ambulation. Outcomes: Five times sit-to-stand test (FTSTS) was used for measuring muscle strength, the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test was performed as a measurement of functional mobility, the Tinetti (TMT) was used to capture balance and gait, and the 6-minute walk test (6MWT) was used to measure muscular endurance. The Borg RPE Scale was used to measure intensity. The Berg Balance Scale (BBS) was used to measure the effect of LE strengthening on improving static and dynamic standing balance. MMT was also used to assess muscle strength. Discussion: Resistance training was performed over a period of six weeks, at a frequency of 5 sessions/week, with each session lasting on average fifty minutes. As a result of the compilation of data from each outcome measure, it can be suggested that a LE strengthening intervention for patients with PPS can result in improved strength, balance, and ambulation ability