Second, any activity which is the source of repeated injury and strain must be changed. Frequently an increased amount of weakness in leg muscles demands a return to the use of canes, crutches, braces, or wheelchairs in order to avoid continued strain. It is understandable that polio survivors often do not wish to return to the use of these assistive devices but they may be necessary to reduce the pain resulting from strain and to stop the vicious cycle. Third, polio survivors should exercise on a regular basis. There are three types of exercises that are normally recommended.
Flexibility exercises are most important.
They must be done to keep the spine flexible and mobile, as well as to prevent tightness of muscles and joints. Conditioning exercises should be done to promote cardiopulmonary fitness. It can often be challenging to design conditioning exercises for polio survivors because of limited strength in extremities for doing sustained exercise. Swimming is an excellent type of activity for achieving some cardiovascular conditioning without overly straining limb muscles. Carefully designed strengthening exercises can also be utilized.