Lycra Garments
Question: Could you inform me please if you know of any evidence of research or provision of Lycra garments or body suits for people with PPS. About 10 years ago when I was an Occupational Therapist, I attended a training course in the use of such garments for stroke patients. I am wondering if this is something that is being used by people with PPS.
Dr. Bruno’s Response: Polio and Post-Polio Sequelae muscle weakness are ultimately caused by spinal cord motor neuron damage, not damage to the brain. Polio survivors don’t have sensory or perception problems as do those who have had strokes, e.g., neglect or loss of proprioception, for which Lycra garment compression could be of use to stimulate “attention” to the affected limb.
Although Lycra wouldn't help with PPS muscle weakness, polio survivors can have leg swelling that Lycra compression garments might decrease. But polio survivors almost uniformly tell me that they have trouble donning compression stockings by themselves. I would imagine that similar issues would occur with Lycra.