Dysphagia and dysphonia among persons with post-polio syndrome - a challenge in neurorehabilitation.
OBJECTIVE
To study the occurrence of dysphagia and dysphonia in persons with post-polio syndrome admitted into the centre for neurological rehabilitation in Finland.


METHODS
Fifty-one persons with post-polio syndrome who were rehabilitated at Käpylä Rehabilitation Centre, Helsinki, Finland, in 2003-2004 were interviewed on problems with swallowing and voice production. Pulmonary function testing and grip strength measurement were performed. A clinical assessment of oral motor and laryngeal functions was carried out for those who reported daily problems with voice production or swallowing.


RESULTS
Fifteen persons (29.4%) reported daily problems with swallowing or voice production. In the clinical assessment, the most commonly observed deficits in swallowing included decreased pharyngeal transit (n = 13) and the food catching in the throat (n = 4). The disturbance of co-ordination of breathing and voice production was seen in 12 persons. There were no significant differences in any of the potential predictors between the groups.


CONCLUSIONS
Professionals need to be aware of the routine evaluation of dysphagia and dysphonia in patients with post-polio syndrome.
Söderholm
S
S
Käpylä Rehabilitation Centre, Finnish Association of People with Mobility Disabilities, Helsinki, Finland. sinikka.soderholm@kolumbus.fi
Lehtinen
A
A
Valtonen
K
K
Ylinen
A
A
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D003680:Deglutition Disorders / Q000209:etiology* / Q000534:rehabilitation; D055154:Dysphonia / Q000209:etiology* / Q000534:rehabilitation; D005260:Female; D005387:Finland / Q000453:epidemiology; D018737:Hand Strength / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016262:Postpoliomyelitis Syndrome / Q000150:complications* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D012047:Rehabilitation Centers; D012129:Respiratory Function Tests; D012189:Retrospective Studies