The importance of pacing
One of the most effective ways that people with polio or Post Polio Syndrome can help to ease symptoms and maintain independence is through the use of lifestyle adjustments such as pacing and energy conservation
We have a well-regarded guide to pacing for activity and exercise, written in conjunction with physiotherapists and occupational therapists at the Lane Fox Unit. The guide gives far more detail than we are able to provide here and is available from the Support Services team at Central Office.
What is pacing?
Pacing is a method of learning to recognise your own individual and manageable baseline of activity, so you always stop what you are doing before you become exhausted. By always stopping before you are tired, you may be able to continue for longer.
This is very different to the advice that may have been given years ago, as the ‘use it or lose it’ philosophy has been replaced by one of ‘conserve it to preserve it’. Many people have thought that intensive exercise can help them to regain muscle strength and function, but instead of regaining power they describe the opposite.
Under or over activity may lead to worsening symptoms
The key is to find the correct balance of activity and rest for each person. This can be difficult, as people with polio are all unique and so everyone’s correct balance is different. It is important to tailor the activity or exercise plans to suit each person- ideally with advice from a reputable and knowledgeable healthcare professional.
As an example, if you always get tired having climbed 10 stairs, why not climb five, have a rest, climb another five, and have another rest and so on? By taking a rest before you need it, you will be conserving energy and will be able to do more without making your symptoms worse.
Does it work?
One report suggests that people who take rest breaks, pace themselves and conserve energy have up to 22% less pain, weakness and fatigue.
How much physical activity is too much?
As with most things, the key is to find the correct balance between activity and rest. Pacing means that you are not tempted to overdo it, as that could lead to exhaustion, enforced rest and reduced fitness levels.