Changes in two children with cerebral palsy after intensive suit therapy: a case report.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this case report was to investigate effects of intensive suit therapy on gait, functional skills, caregiver assistance, and gross motor ability in children with cerebral palsy.


METHODS
Two children with spastic diplegia classified at level III on the Gross Motor Function Classification System participated. Outcomes were assessed using dimensions D and E of the Gross Motor Function Measure, the Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory, and instrumented gait analysis.


METHODS
Each child participated in the Therasuit Method, 4 hours a day, 5 days a week for 3 weeks.


RESULTS
Very small improvements in function were noted in dimension D of the Gross Motor Function Measure and Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory Self-care Domain with decreased function in other areas. Improved walking speed, cadence, symmetry, joint motion, and posture were found with gait analysis.


CONCLUSIONS
Further investigation is needed of the suit itself, and intensive therapy programs in children with cerebral palsy.
Bailes
Amy F
AF
Division of Occupational Therapy and Physical Therapy, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio 45229, USA. amy.bailes@cchmc.org
Greve
Kelly
K
Schmitt
Laura C
LC
D002547:Cerebral Palsy / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D005684:Gait; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009048:Motor Skills; D026741:Physical Therapy Modalities; D011187:Posture; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular; D016138:Walking