Insights from the Big Survey 2025

Earlier this year, the British Polio Fellowship conducted a major survey of polio survivors across the UK, receiving around 1,200 responses. The results revealed that most respondents are experiencing mobility issues and are living with post-polio syndrome (PPS).

The majority of polio survivors contracted the disease in early childhood (typically by the age of five) and suffered paralysis or weakness in their legs and feet. Today, many are also dealing with arthritis or osteoarthritis, along with severe fatigue.

A significant number reported having falls related to their post-polio condition, often resulting in broken or fractured bones. Despite this, most have never received a comprehensive review to assess the long-term impact of polio on their bodies.

Members of the Fellowship believe that many GPs and consultants remain unaware of the late effects of polio and PPS.

For all these reasons, the British Polio Fellowship continues its vital work—supporting polio survivors physically, financially, and psychologically, while also striving to raise awareness within the healthcare profession.

Key findings from the survey can be found here:

The Bulletin Autumn 2025 survey.pdf

Download PDF • 186KB

Survey Highlights 

Of the survey respondents who answered the questions:

• 62% were female and 38% were male.

• 77% contracted polio aged 0-5 years

• 68% were experiencing mobility issues, making socialising difficult

• 10% of respondents were placed in an iron lung for up to four weeks

• 89% have been diagnosed with, or think they have, Post-Polio Syndrome

• 75% live with a leg length discrepancy

The top five late effects of polio affecting respondents today are:

• 69% Cold intolerance

• 59% Extreme fatigue

• 55% Arthritis and/or osteoarthritis

• 42% Sleep issues

• 41% Chronic pain