Poliomyelitis is still a problem because the eradication is not obtained and the population is more important than spinal cord injury population. The reduction of activity, the lean mass transformed into fat mass and the decreased in BMR are the significant risk factors that predisposes them to become overweight. Can we use the BMR’ equations to give specific nutritional prescriptions?

It's an observationnal study of a cohort of the polio who consulted in Garche during 3 years. We studied the demographic items, history of poliomyelitis and complications. We analysed the muscle strengh (especially hip flexors, knee extensions, dorsiflexion of the ankle). To limit the fluctuations in muscle testing and fatigability-related changes, we also considered trunk involvement (scoliosis), wearing an orthosis and using a wheelchair as the most serious impairment of the sequelae.

The BMR was determined by indirect calorimetry and was estimated by equations of differents authors.

We analysed 298 polio consultations. Forty-one had a calorimetry.

There's a strong correlation between BMR and the weight. The correlation is low for the height and BMI. BMI underestimated the risk of obesity is this population. Therefore, a specific BMI should be used.

Basal metabolism seems to be linked with the gravity of the sequelae. The best relation is with the trunk involvement. But the correlation and the sensibility is low. Our factors are not enough specific.

There are correlations with each equations. The best results closed to those of indirect calorimetry is obtain with OMS equation.

But the equations significatively overestimated the basal metabolism (P<0.01).

We can’t use these equations to treat and prescribe a suitable diet. We probably have to use corrections.