Post-Polio Syndrome as a Model for Musculo-Tendinous Overuse Syndromes in Military and Civilian Populations

摘要

The objective of this project was to examine the relationship between muscle weakness and overuse injuries. Musculoskeletal injuries are common among military recruits. Similar problems are seen among polio survivors. The hypothesis was that focal weakness predisposes to overuse syndromes related to the weakened muscles and/or those used to in compensatory movement strategies. The muscle weakness experienced by many polio survivors puts this population in a unique position to serve as an accelerated model for the same weakness- overuse-injury cycle experienced by military recruits. Muscle strength and symptomatology data were collected on 194 polio survivors and 226 adults with no history of polio. A scientific model was developed for predicting the presence of shoulder symptoms using logistic regression and identified knee extensor strength and weight as risk factors. Exercise and lifestyle modification instruction showed potential as effective treatments for these overuse symptoms. Compensatory strategies were identified for a chair rise task that may be linked to the development of shoulder overuse symptoms. In another study, the results also support the preventative use of orthotics to avoid plantar facilities. We also looked at the variability in strength of adults aged 18-88 and developed 95% confidence intervals which may be used to determine the presence of subclinical weakness. The results of this project support the use of the post- polio population as a model for overuse in the general population.