PESHAWAR: A chart developed by the local institute of physiotherapy has been helping rehabilitation of polio-affected people in Pakistan as well as in other endemic countries throughout the world.

This was stated by Dr Mahboobur Rahman, the head of Habib Physiotherapy Complex (HPC), at a free medical camp for polio-affected patients on Sunday.

“Mahboob Power Evaluation and Therapeutic Chart for Polio Management was developed in 1989. It is being successfully used throughout the world for management and rehabilitation of the polio patients,” he told the gathering of 30 physiotherapists.

“We first put into practice the chart and conducted a research study on 30 patients that showed 62 per cent success rate. The same year, we provided services to about 1,000 patients and most of them have become normal or able to earn their livelihood,” he said.

Dr Mahboob said that prior to their chart, the Oxford Muscles Testing Chart was in use worldwide but that was only for diagnostic purpose but the one developed by the local institute covered both diagnostic and therapeutic aspects of polio patients. The plan contains complete treatment regime including specific exercises to put brakes on wastage muscles and strengthen them to walk and work.

“Several organisations including polio health international working for polio management have adopted the chart, especially in the areas where polio has affected children. I have presented the chart at international physiotherapy conferences in Malaysia, Holland and other countries to help polio patients,” said Dr Mahboob.

On the occasion, he told the physiotherapists that it was the most effective tool in management of polio-hit people. He urged them to apply it to help the victims start their lives normally.

“It helps the children at early stage and therefore the government should join hands with physiotherapists to ensure that the affected people get proper services,” he said.

About 60 patients, who had come from different districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Afghanistan for follow-ups, underwent checkups in the presence 30 physiotherapists.

Dr Aatik Arsh spoke about the significance of pathophysiology in management of poliomyelitis and termed it essential for rehabilitation of the affected people.

Published in Dawn, July 30th, 2018