Dr. Pape said in her letter to this reporter that approximately 120 polio survivors have come through the clinic to date, and just under 100 of these are currently on the program. It is for the progressive muscle weakness seen years later and the muscle atrophy from disuse due to injury or illness. All referrals to the Clinic are made by a physician, and prospective clients are prescreened by the Clinic before they come to Toronto. Overweight is the most common reason for refusal. In addition to making movement more stressful, excess body fat decreases the amount of electrical current reaching the muscles during TES and can make the treatment less effective.
Clients can control the amount of stimulation.
TES is not used alone. It is a special technique added to an overall rehabilitation program such as is used in most centers treating post-polio syndrome. As at other centers, the Magee Clinic treatment program is individually designed for each client. In addition to non-fatiguing exercise to increase endurance and function, Dr. Magee stresses the importance of proper nutrition to preserve muscle mass and control weight. The program is designed essentially to be carried out at home.