Changes in self-perceived performance and satisfaction with performance of daily activities following interdisciplinary rehabilitation in people with late effects of polio.

The study lacked a control group, so changes cannot be definitively attributed to the rehabilitation program rather than natural progression or other factors. The COPM was used both to identify problems and as the outcome measure, which may bias results. A large number of potential participants were excluded because detailed activity data was missing, limiting generalizability. The follow-up period was short (discharge only), and previous research suggests benefits may emerge later, meaning the study may have underestimated long-term effects. The intervention was highly individualized, making it impossible to determine which specific components (e.g., education vs. physical training) drove any observed changes.

The authors declared no conflicts of interest.

Do not assume that statistically significant group-level improvements mean most patients will experience clinically meaningful benefits. In this study, fewer than one in four participants reached the established thresholds for relevant change in performance or satisfaction, and some patients actually reported worse scores at discharge.