Physiotherapy for poliomyelitis: a descriptive study in the Republic of Congo

Abstract

Background: A large poliomyelitis outbreak occurred in 2010 in the Republic of Congo. This paper describes the demographic and clinical characteristics of poliomyelitis cases and their outcomes following physiotherapy.

Findings: Demographic and clinical data were collected on 126 individuals between November 23, 2010 and March 23, 2011. The male/female ratio was 2.5 and the median age was 19 years (IQR: 13.5-23). The most severe forms of the disease were more common in older patients, 81 of the 126 patients (64.3%) had multiple evaluations of muscle strength. Among patients with multiple evaluations, 38.1% had improved strength at final evaluation, 48.3% were stable and 13.6% had decreased strength.

Conclusions: Most acute poliomyelitis patients receiving physiotherapy had improved or stable muscle strength at their final evaluation. These descriptive results highlight the need for further research into the potential benefits of physiotherapy in polio affected patients.

Figure 1

Change in muscle strength between baseline and final visit by severity at baseline (N = 81)*. Change in muscle strength between baseline and final visit is shown for each limb. In all four limbs, patients with severe weakness at baseline are more likely to have improved or stable strength at the final visit. *Severity is defined as MRC score of <3 in a given limb.