Boost::Asio : io_service.run() vs poll() or how do I integrate boost::asio in mainloop

Using io_service::poll instead of io_service::run is perfectly acceptable. The difference is explained in the documentation

The poll() function may also be used to dispatch ready handlers, but without blocking.

Note that io_service::run will block if there's any work left in the queue

The work class is used to inform the io_service when work starts and finishes. This ensures that the io_service object's run() function will not exit while work is underway, and that it does exit when there is no unfinished work remaining.

whereas io_service::poll does not exhibit this behavior, it just invokes ready handlers. Also note that you will need to invoke io_service::reset on any subsequent invocation to io_service:run or io_service::poll.

A drawback is that you'll make a busy loop.

while(true) {
    myIoService.poll()
}

will use 100% cpu. myIoService.run() will use 0% cpu.

myIoService.run_one() might do what you want but it will block if there is nothing for it to do.