This case report describes effective intervention strategies that included gait training with the use of an acceptable,
assistive device for the management of impaired posture and
fatigue associated with
post-polio syndrome. Review of videotaped gait-training sessions enhanced patient compliance with the
assistive device, a single forearm crutch. The 49-year-old female acquired childhood
polio with resulting leg length discrepancy, lower extremity weakness, and complaints of
fatigue. She walked with a right ankle
foot orthosis and increased right lateral trunk flexion during right stance. Interventions consisted of patient education regarding the diagnosis and management of
post-polio syndrome, health promotion, and energy conservation strategies that included gait training with a single forearm crutch. An outcome measure not previously documented in the post-
polio literature was used to measure the patient's perceived
fatigue. Six-month and 18-month reexaminations found that the patient was compliant with the
assistive device, reported a 30% reduction in
fatigue, and walked with a more upright posture for longer distances in a shorter period of time. Patient education, health promotion, and energy conservation strategies that included walking with a properly fitting
assistive device reduced perceived
fatigue and improved posture and function in an individual with
post-polio syndrome.