Franklin Delano Roosevelt, Polio, and the Warm Springs Experiment: Its Impact on Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation

Verville, Richard E.; Ditunno, John F.

doi:10.1016/j.pmrj.2012.11.007

Cited by 8 publications

(8 citation statements)

References 5 publications

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“…While there, Roosevelt began a regimen of swimming 3 times a day, and by the end of that stay felt he had developed improved strength [11]. Newspaper reports of his improvements were published in the Atlanta Journal , producing a flood of national interest and visitors to the Warm Springs facility [11]. FDR became a tutor to the many polio survivors who came there, instructing them in exercises, and recorded the gains seen in these individuals for review by skeptical physicians [15].…”

Section: Fdr's Polio Diagnosis and Its Broad Repercussionsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Against the advice of his wife and financial advisors, FDR purchased the Warm Springs property in 1926, expanding its lodging capacity and facilities. In the process he created what was at that time the first comprehensive rehabilitation hospital, featuring physical, occupational, and recreation therapies, as well as bracing and orthotic care, and social services ( Figure 1) [11]. By 1940, Warm Springs housed 400 residents in a truly architecturally accessible facility, the first in the nation [11].…”

Section: Fdr's Polio Diagnosis and Its Broad Repercussionsmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Franklin Delano Roosevelt: The Diagnosis of Poliomyelitis Revisited

Ditunno

Becker

Herbison

2016

PM&R

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Revisiting the ailments of famous historical persons in light of contemporary medical understanding has become a common academic hobby. Public discussion of Franklin Delano Roosevelt's (FDR) diagnosis of poliomyelitis after his sudden onset of paralysis in 1921 has received just such a revisitation. Recently, this 2003 historical analysis has been referenced widely on the Internet and in biographies, raising speculation that his actual diagnosis should have been Guillain-Barré Syndrome, a noncontagious disease of the peripheral nervous system rather than poliomyelitis. The authors of that 2003 analysis used a statistical analysis of his case by selectively choosing some of his reported symptoms. FDR's diagnosis of poliomyelitis, however, was fully supported by the findings of leading expert physicians of that time, who were very knowledgeable in the then-common disease and who periodically examined him during the period of 1921-1924. The most significant diagnostic features of polio are the absence of objective sensory findings in the presence of flaccid motor paralysis. These features are consistent with diagnostic criteria extant during the periods of major poliomyelitis epidemics as well as those of the Center for Disease Control 90 years later. Additional findings of fever, prodromal hyperesthesia, more severe residual proximal muscle weakness, and extensive lower extremity impairment requiring mobility with long leg braces or a wheelchair give further evidence for the diagnosis in FDR's case. Nonbulbar Guillain-Barré Syndrome, which shares the features of a flaccid paralysis and thus mimicking the initial presentation of poliomyelitis, has more than an 80% complete recovery with no reported cases of eventual wheelchair use. The most severe cases of Guillain-Barré Syndrome often have persistent objective sensory loss, associated with greater weakness in the feet and hands, which show no resemblance to FDR's impairment and disability. In light of the expert initial assessments by physicians completely familiar with the signs and symptoms of the then-common disease, review of his initial and subsequent disease course, and residual symptoms in comparison with those of Guillain-Barré syndrome, we find no reason to question the diagnostic accuracy of poliomyelitis and wish to put this debate to rest.

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Section: Fdr's Polio Diagnosis and Its Broad Repercussionsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Fdr's Polio Diagnosis and Its Broad Repercussionsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Franklin Delano Roosevelt: The Diagnosis of Poliomyelitis Revisited

Ditunno

Becker

Herbison

2016

PM&R

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“…He built a home on the grounds, recruited physicians to serve there, and developed exercise, vocational training, social, and recreational programs. Warm Springs became one of the first true rehabilitation centers in the United States [11] (Figure 1). The facility received the stamp of approval from the American Orthopedic Association after they reviewed the first 23 patients treated there and found that all showed improvements in function [9].…”

Section: The Role Of Exercise In the Beginnings Of Our Field: 1920 Anmentioning

confidence: 99%

46th Walter J. Zeiter Lecture, Exercise Is Rehabilitation Medicine: Our History and Future

Becker

2015

PM&R

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“…“Lest we forget,” the legacy of FDR [43], the GWSF, and Dr. Robert L Bennett, pioneer in PM&R, let us remember the hundreds of dedicated professionals and thousands of persons with polio, who, working together, sought full citizenship and participation in our society. Let us be mindful that the lessons learned from polio assessment and treatment continue to benefit our patients with severe impairments from SCI and other neurological and musculoskeletal diseases.…”

Section: Leadership On the American Board Of Physical Medicine And Rementioning

confidence: 99%