It concludes with the reasons patients gave for feeling the same or worse. Energy Conservation Seventy-nine percent of the respondents felt that energy conservation techniques taught by occupational therapists made them feel better. Maintaining an activity diary to monitor and prioritize daily activities is often recommended. Some lifestyle changes may be essential. Sometimes setting limits may be necessary.
Adaptive equipment is often helpful.
Polio survivors have found motorized scooters and wheelchairs to be a great way to save energy. Careful analysis of gait may result in changes in orthotics so that walking will be more energy efficient as well as less painful. Environmental adaptations or modifications could be beneficial. This information, provided at her workshop sessions, followed Dr. Yarnell's keynote address. But polio survivors walk a fine line between overworking their delicate old reinervated motor units and therapeutic exercise.