Article

OBJECTIVES: To examine the characteristics of fatigued and non-fatigued
post-polio patients and to define potential subgroups across the fatigue continuum. A total of 143 post-polio
patients were subdivided on the basis of percentile distribution into a fatigue
group, a intermediate group, and a non-fatigue group, using the Multi Fatigue
Inventory 20 general fatigue ratings. Data on background, quality of
life, fatigue and pain were collected. Descriptive statistics and correlations in
each group and analysis of variance and chi2 for group comparisons were
performed. Non-linear regressions were employed to evaluate differences in the
strength of associations between physical and mental fatigue, on the one hand,
and vitality on the other. RESULTS: The fatigued group was younger, had shorter
polio duration, more pain, higher body mass index, lower quality of life and was
more physically and mentally fatigued. A higher proportion of this group had
contracted polio after 1956 and was under 65 years of age. Mental fatigue had a
relatively higher explanatory value than physical fatigue for differences in
vitality in the fatigued group, whereas reversed patterns were seen in the other
groups. CONCLUSION: Fatigued post-polio patients can be considered as a subgroup.

Langue : ANGLAIS