What influenced the increase in disability due to polio in occupational therapy?

The increase in physical rehabilitation needs significantly influenced the rise in disability due to polio in occupational therapy. As polio outbreaks occurred, many individuals were left with long-term disabilities resulting from the disease. This created a greater demand for rehabilitation services to address the physical impairments associated with polio, such as muscle weakness and mobility limitations.

Occupational therapy became crucial in helping these individuals regain independence and improve their quality of life. Therapy focused on enabling patients to perform daily activities and adapt to their new circumstances. The emphasis on physical rehabilitation underscored the role of occupational therapists in developing tailored intervention strategies to support the recovery and functional needs of those affected by polio. This marked a pivotal moment in occupational therapy’s evolution, as it established a critical connection between the discipline and the complex needs of individuals with disabilities due to polio.