Cerebral Palsy and Intensive Suit Therapy

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Intensive suit therapy is a relatively new and experimental form of therapy designed to help those with cerebral palsy improve muscle tone, posture, and movement. Although more studies are needed to confirm its effectiveness, in the long run, many therapists offer it because they feel it is beneficial for their patients.

About Intensive Suit Therapy

According to Pacific University’s School of Physical Therapy, intensive suit therapy consists of an orthotic suit that includes a hat, knee pads, and specially designed therapeutic shoes. The suit also has rings that allow bungee cord-like ropes to be inserted and adjusted according to the child’s height.

Once the child has the suit on and the elastic ropes are adjusted, it brings the body into proper alignment and helps improve abnormal muscle tone. In this way, the suit assists in retraining the brain to recognize the new, corrected body movements.

While wearing the suit, the child participates in specific exercises in a therapeutic setting. Following an exercise regimen while wearing the suit is said to help children reduce ataxia, spasticity, and other symptoms that typically coexist with cerebral palsy.

The different types of therapy suits are named, each associated with a related exercise program and training method. Here are the names of a few of the more commonly used suits:

• Adeli Suit
• NeuroSuit
• Polish Suit
• TheraSuit

Some suits, such as the NeuroSuit and TheraSuit, offer elbow pads and gloves, which help increase the arms’ function and strength. Although each suit has its own exercise and training program, all work within a similar therapeutic concept.

History of Intensive Suit Therapy

Intensive suit therapy was initially based on Russia’s 1971 space program, which allowed cosmonauts to maintain normal muscle tone while in a weightless environment.

Invented by the Russian Center for Aeronautical and Space Medicine in the late 1960s, the suit, known as the Penguin Suit, proved reliable and fully functional in helping astronauts prevent disabilities.

In the early 1990s, a team of experts at the Pediatric Institute of the Russian Academy of Medical Sciences developed a similar suit designed to help children with cerebral palsy and other neuromuscular disorders.

In 1994, the suit was patented across the world. Many therapists now use those suits, and others invented later for the same purpose in regular therapy sessions.

Studies on Intensive Suit Therapy

Early studies on the efficacy of intensive suit therapy in children with cerebral palsy have been mixed and, for many researchers, disappointing. They call for more studies and more evidence to show that they provide any benefits.[1]

A case study of two children with cerebral palsy also called for more research to truly understand how effective this type of therapy is.

The researchers found that the participants with spastic cerebral palsy showed improved function in some dimensions and reduced function in others after three weeks of intensive suit therapy. Some of the improvements included walking speed, symmetry, and posture.[2]

Another study found that combining traditional therapy with intensive suit therapy improved gross motor function in children with cerebral palsy. The team of physicians studied 30 children with spastic diplegic cerebral palsy, ranging from ages 4 to 12 years.

All of the children participated in a combination of traditional physiotherapy and intensive suit therapy for two hours a day over three weeks.[3]

A more recent paper reviewed multiple studies of intensive suit therapy and found overwhelmingly positive results: improved walking speed, cadence, gross motor function, and functional mobility.[4]

What Happens During Intensive Suit Therapy Sessions?

Intensive suit therapy sessions are provided by licensed therapists across the nation, who are generally certified physical therapists who have received hands-on training in intensive suit therapy.

Although each exercise program may differ somewhat according to the therapists providing the sessions, a typical day may consist of:

• Tissue massage and warm-ups
• Sensory Integration techniques
• Proper movement patterns and body alignment
• Development of motor skills
• Strengthening exercises
• Flexibility, balance, and coordination exercises

Cables, pulleys, and weights can also facilitate various rehabilitation techniques. Children often exercise in safe universal exercise units known as “monkey cages” or “spider cages.” In these, the pulleys and weights help to isolate movements, thereby strengthening the muscles.

Is Intensive Suit Therapy Safe?

Studies of intensive suit therapy have reported a few adverse effects, which were generally mild:

• Difficulty putting the suit on and taking it off
• Constipation
• Urinary leakage
• Difficulty breathing
• Overheating
• Skin discomfort

Intensive suit therapy is not for every child with cerebral palsy. Children with the following medical conditions may not be able to take part in this type of therapy, although their physician and therapist will make the final determination:

• High blood pressure
• Heart and circulatory conditions
• Diabetes
• Kidney problems
• Severe scoliosis
• Hydrocephalus (VP shunt)
• Uncontrolled seizures

Another important factor to consider is the cost of intensive suit therapy, which could be high.[5] Most insurance companies will not cover the purchase of the suit, as it is still considered experimental.

Before starting intensive suit therapy, it’s always a good idea to contact your insurance company first to see what portion of the program is covered. In addition, be sure to check with your child’s physician before starting any form of therapy, as other medical conditions your child has may interfere.