EFFECTIVENESS OF THE THERASUIT METHOD AND THE THERASUIT PILOT STUDY RESULTS OF THE INTENSIVE PROGRAM IN THE PEDIATRIC CELEBRAL PALSY POPULATION
IZABELA KOSCIELNY PT, RICHARD KOSCIELNY PT, (THERASUIT LLC/ PEDIATRIC FITNESS CENTER, 2141 CASS LAKE RD., SUITE 107, KEEGO HARBOR, MI 48320, USA)
Objectives:
This study is part of a multi-site ongoing study and was designed to evaluate the effectiveness of an intensive exercise program (TheraSuit Method) using a Soft Dynamic Proprioceptive Orthotic (TheraSuit) on children with cerebral palsy by measuring changes, which occurred after participating in a treatment session at the Pediatric Fitness Center, Keego Harbor, Michigan. The primary goal of the outcome study was the assessment of functional skills, which have the most influence on the quality of life.
Design: Ongoing study using a group pre-test/post-test design. A four-level diagnostic algorithm has been designed for the complex evaluation of all participants. It includes the preliminary selection, obtaining the initial data necessary to develop the individual exercise program, collection of changes during and after the program and preparation of the individual home exercise program.
Setting: Intensive Exercise Program at the Pediatric Fitness Center, Keego Harbor, MI.
Length of the study: The results of this study were obtained during treatment sessions from July 2003 - May 2004.
Patients: (20 children; 12 females and 8 males), with a mean age 6.3 (range of 2.5 to 13), and with a primary diagnosis of cerebral palsy. Materials/Methods: During this study we used the TheraSuit Method and the TheraSuit (Soft Proprioceptive Orthotic - protected by a patent as a "Neurological Motor Therapy Suit"). All participants underwent evaluation pre and post exercise session. All data was recorded using the Gross Motor Functional Measurement form. Additionally, all participants were video recorded before and after treatment.
Interventions:
An intensive exercise program consisting of 3 hours of exercises, 5 times a week for 3 weeks was provided for the qualified participants. Treatment was administered by trained therapists/trainers in the Therasuit Method. The intense program protocol included individually designed exercise programs for all participants including exercise with and without TheraSuit Therapy. Measurements and Main Results.
All results were statistically evaluated. The results obtained from the study are presented in Fig.1 and Fig.2.
