To Assess the Relation Between Walking Capacity and Cardio-respiratory Function in Post Polio Residual Paralysis

Poliomyelitis is on edge of eradication, but more than 50 lakhs residual polio survival are reported in India, moreover, in view of reported PPS, it is necessary that PPRP patients should be followed up with regards to their functional status.

To identify and determine the relation between walking capacity and cardiorespiratory function in PPRP, and to compare the same with normals.

30 participants of PPRP and 30 healthy, age matched participants were recruited. A baseline evaluation inclusive of MMT was done for the study group. In both the groups, walking capacity was assessed by 12 MWT and cardiorespiratory function were assessed by measuring the vitals viz. PR, RR, BP, RPP, PR Recovery Time and RPP.

The distance covered by study group participants was significantly less (p=0.00). No significant change was seen regards to change in PR, RR, BP, RPP and PR recovery time, however post test RPE was significantly high in study group (p=0.003). The study group showed negative correlation between change in RPE and12MWD (p=0.014), at the same time change in RPE positively correlated with change in PR (p=0.006) and change in RPP(r=0.522, p=0.003). Further sum of paretic limb muscle strength did not show any significant correlation.

Walking capacity is severely compromised in the PPRP. The cardio respiratory parameter did not show any significant difference, RPE however was significantly higher in PPRP.