Abstract
INTRODUCTION:
Following poliomyelitis, patients may experience sleep disorders stemming from periodic limb movement, leading to fatigue and compromised muscle function the following day.
AIM:
To establish the presence or absence of muscle fatigue in these patients using electromyography and relating the data to polysomnographic findings.
PATIENTS AND METHODS:
An analytical cross-sectional study was carried out involving 19 individuals with motor sequelae in the lower limbs stemming from poliomyelitis. Quantitative tests for the assessment of neurophysiological aspects (knee-jerk/Achilles reflexes and peripheral muscle strength of rectus femoris) and a sleep study (standard, level I polysomnography) were administered.
RESULTS:
A statistically significant difference was detected (p < 0.01) in muscle strength, demonstrating muscle fatigue associated to sleep disorder.
CONCLUSION:
Individuals with sequelae from poliomyelitis exhibit sleep disorders that may lead to muscle fatigue. Periodic limb movement may contribute to this phenomenon.