Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 11, 2026
A Method for Quantifying Upper Limb Performance in Daily Life Using Accelerometers
Published on: April 21, 2017
Assessment of upper-limb function and movement in children with cerebral palsy wearing lycra garments
J H Nicholson1, R E Morton, S Attfield
1Ronnie Mac Keith Child Development Centre, Children's Hospital, South Derbyshire Acute Hospitals' NHS Trust, Derby, UK.
Insights
Lycra garments may offer slight functional benefits for children with cerebral palsy (CP) by improving stability. However, practical issues like toileting difficulties and incontinence often outweigh these advantages, limiting their overall usefulness.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Rehabilitation Medicine
- Biomechanical Engineering
Background:
- Cerebral palsy (CP) is a group of disorders affecting movement and posture.
- Lycra garments have been proposed as a therapeutic aid for children with CP.
- The effectiveness and practicality of these garments require thorough investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the functional impact of lycra garments on children with cerebral palsy (CP).
- To assess changes in motor function and caregiver assistance using standardized scales and motion analysis.
- To gather feedback on the practical usability of lycra garments from caregivers.
Main Methods:
- 12 children with CP (athetosis, ataxia, spasticity) were fitted with lycra garments for 6 weeks.
- Paediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory (PEDI) scores were measured pre- and post-intervention.
- Kinematic motion analysis was used for 5 children during reach-and-grasp tasks.
- Caregiver questionnaires addressed garment practicality.
Main Results:
- All children showed PEDI improvements in at least one functional scale; group scores improved significantly (self-help p<0.01).
- Motion analysis revealed improved proximal stability in some children, but increased jerkiness in others.
- Significant practical challenges were reported, including toileting issues and incontinence, with only one family wishing to continue use.
Conclusions:
- Lycra garments may enhance proximal stability in children with CP, leading to minor functional gains.
- The observed benefits must be balanced against significant practical drawbacks and potential loss of independence.
- Current evidence suggests limited overall utility due to usability issues, despite some positive effects on stability.
Abstract:
It has recently been suggested that lycra garments are helpful for children with cerebral palsy (CP). Twelve children, with athetosis, ataxia, and spasticity, were fitted with lycra garments (Kendall-Camp UK Ltd). Scores on the Paediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory (PEDI) scales were determined before and after wearing the garment for at least 6 hours a day for 6 weeks. Five children with motor problems representative of the whole group were investigated during a reach-and-grasp task by kinematic motion analysis; reflective markers were used with and without the garment. Carers were given a questionnaire concerning the practicalities of using the garments. All 12 children made improvements in at least one of the functional scales of the PEDI, and scores for the whole group showed significant gains (Wilcoxon chi2 test, self-help p<0.01; mobility p<0.5; social p<0.1). These changes were usually slight, although noticed by carers. Six children made gains of at least one scale of the caregiver assistance scores, two of the children showed losses (due to difficulties removing the garment for toileting), and four showed no change. Motion analysis indicated that (1) two children with athetosis had improved proximal stability in sitting and in smoothness of arm movements, (2) one child with ataxia had improved in proximal and distal stability, and (3) two children with spasticity had more jerky movements, although one improved in proximal stability. All children had problems in wearing the garments, including problems with toileting and incontinence of urine; the parents of only one child wanted to continue using it. Results suggest that the functional benefit of lycra garments for children with CP is mainly due to improvements in proximal stability but this should be weighed against the inconvenience and loss of independence.
