Lifestyle and late effects after poliomyelitis. A risk factor study of two populations.
BACKGROUND
Patients with polio often experience new symptoms (muscle weakness, pain, fatigue and respiratory problems) many years after the acute disease. This study examined possible interactions between lifestyle factors (overweight, physical inactivity, smoking) and late polio with new symptoms.


METHODS
A total of 148 patients hospitalized for acute polio in 1950-1954 at Haukeland University Hospital, Norway and 128 patients, hospitalized for acute polio in 1958 at Tartu University Hospital, Estonia responded to a mailed questionnaire regarding lifestyle and late polio with new symptoms. Multiple regression analysis, two samples t-test and chi-square analysis were undertaken.


RESULTS
Mean body mass index (BMI) and percentage of smokers did not differ in the two cohorts, while polio patients were physically less active in Estonia. The physically active patients in both cohorts had significantly lower odds for experiencing polio-related late muscle pain (OR = 0.21; 95% CI = 0.08-0.55) and fatigue (OR = 0.32; 95% CI = 0.14-0.75). With increasing age the patients had significantly higher odds for experiencing new muscle weakness (OR = 1.03; 95% CI = 1.00-1.07), fatigue (OR = 1.04;95% CI = 1.01-1.07) and breath shortness (OR = 1.04; 95% CI = 1.00-1.07).


CONCLUSIONS
Physically inactive patients are at a higher risk for late polio-related symptoms. An active lifestyle should be recommended for patients with polio sequels.
Rekand
Tiina
T
Department of Neurology, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway. tiina.rekand@helse-bergen.no
Kõrv
Janika
J
Farbu
Elisabeth
E
Roose
Mai
M
Gilhus
Nils Erik
NE
Langeland
Nina
N
Aarli
Johan Arild
JA
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D004417:Dyspnea / Q000209:etiology; D005221:Fatigue / Q000209:etiology; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008019:Life Style; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D018908:Muscle Weakness / Q000209:etiology; D016017:Odds Ratio; D010146:Pain / Q000209:etiology; D010809:Physical Fitness; D011051:Poliomyelitis / Q000150:complications*; D012307:Risk Factors; D013997:Time Factors