Guttmann has obtained a grant from the Spanish Ministry of Territorial Policy and Democratic Memory to develop a ‘Clinical study on the consequences of poliomyelitis in Spain, territorial analysis and registry design,’ a project that will analyse the current impact of poliomyelitis in the country, with special attention to post-polio syndrome (PPS), and which will identify healthcare needs and territorial inequalities. 

The study, with a 12-month work plan, has a threefold objective:  

• To describe the current consequences of poliomyelitis and post-polio syndrome in Spain. 

• To analyse the response of health and social services and the differences between autonomous communities. 

• To propose an operational methodology for the creation of a national registry of people with acute poliomyelitis, polio sequelae and post-polio syndrome. 

Evidence, barriers and testimonies to guide real improvements 

In addition to a comprehensive review of studies conducted in Spain, the work will identify needs and barriers in areas such as maintenance neurorehabilitation, mental health, technical aids, social support and residential resources, and will assess the social, economic and relational impact. 

To this end, the study will also collect testimonies from affected people to identify needs, barriers, and psychosocial and economic effects, complementing the clinical and functional evidence.  

Clinical and Methodological Basis 

The project builds on the experience of the Guttmann Hospital Neurorehabilitation team in addressing the sequelae of polio and post-polio syndrome. The centre provides specialist care for this profile and has worked continuously on its clinical assessment and follow-up.  

The research team builds on a retrospective study published in the journal Neurología, which analysed 400 patients with a history of poliomyelitis, of whom 310 met the criteria for post-polio syndrome, with a description of epidemiological, clinical and electromyographic variables. 

“This will allow us to select relevant indicators, prioritise standardised instruments and incorporate an equity and gender perspective from the outset to better understand inequalities in impact, access and needs,” says Raúl Pelayo, a neurologist at Guttmann Hospital of Neurorehabilitation and a member of the research team.