RESEARCH

This study is part of a multi-site ongoing study and was designed to evaluate the effectiveness of an intensive exercise program (TheraSuit MethodT) using a Soft Dynamic Proprioceptive Orthotic (TheraSuitT) on children with cerebral palsy by measuring changes which occurred after participating in a treatment session at the Pediatric Fitness Center.

The primary goal of the outcome study was the assessment of functional skills which have the most influence on the quality of life.

All results were statistically evaluated. In this publication we included only part of the collected outcomes. The study reveals functional improvements in 92% of the participants. Additional progress was made in coordination by 56%, strength by 100%, range of motion by 100%, balance by 62% and movement control by 64%. We noticed a significant improvement in the level of new functional skills learned by our participants during the exercise sessions. In the study group, 90% learned to roll independently, 75% learned to sit without assistance, 49% learned to crawl, 39% gained the ability to stand independently, 33% learned to walk with assistive devices and 21% gained the ability to walk independently.
The results of our study confirm the high level of effectiveness of the intensive exercise method (TheraSuit MethodT) in conjunction with the Soft Dynamic Proprioceptive Orthotic (TheraSuitT).

Mgr. Izabela Kościelny MPT, CSS Director Pediatrie Fitness Center