In Brief Purpose: 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. Case Description: 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. Intervention: Each child participated in the Therasuit Method, 4 hours a day, 5 days a week for 3 weeks. Outcomes: 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. Conclusion: Further investigation is needed of the suit itself, and intensive therapy programs in children with cerebral palsy. Intensive use of the Therasuit Method for 2 children with cerebral palsy revealed very small improvements in function in Dimension D of the GMFM and PEDI Self-care Domain whereas other areas demonstrated decreased function. Improved walking speed, cadence, symmetry, joint motion, and posture were also found.
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Bailes et al. (2010) studied this question.
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