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Evaluation of short-term intensive orthotic garment use in children who have cerebral palsy
Ann Flanagan1, Joseph Krzak, Mary Peer
1Rehab Services Department, Shriners Hospitals for Children-Chicago, 2211 N. Oak Park Avenue, Chicago, IL 60707, USA. aflanagan@shrinenet.org
Insights
An orthotic undergarment improved gait and functional skills in children with diplegic cerebral palsy (CP). This 12-week intervention enhanced motor proficiency and daily performance for participants.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Rehabilitation Medicine
- Biomechanical Engineering
Background:
- Cerebral palsy (CP) is a common neurodevelopmental disorder affecting movement.
- Diplegic CP primarily impacts the legs, leading to gait and balance challenges.
- Orthotic interventions are explored to improve functional outcomes in children with CP.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the efficacy of an orthotic undergarment in children with diplegic cerebral palsy.
- To evaluate the impact on gait, balance, and life skills.
- To determine the short-term and medium-term effects of the intervention.
Main Methods:
- A 12-week trial involving five children (ages 7-13) with diplegic CP (Gross Motor Function Classification Scale Level I).
- Utilized Vicon Motion Analysis for kinematic gait data.
- Assessed motor proficiency with the Bruininks-Oseretsky Test and functional skills with the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure.
Main Results:
- Significant improvements in gait kinematics, including increased hip extension and reduced anterior pelvic tilt during stance.
- Enhanced gross motor function scores and improved performance on the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure.
- Positive outcomes observed during and immediately after the 12-week wear period.
Conclusions:
- An individualized orthotic garment, worn for 12 weeks, can effectively improve gait and functional abilities in select children with CP.
- The findings suggest potential benefits for incorporating orthotic undergarments into therapeutic strategies.
- Further research with larger cohorts is warranted to confirm these positive results.
Purpose:
To evaluate the effectiveness of an orthotic undergarment on gait, balance, and life skills of children who have diplegic cerebral palsy (CP).
Methods:
Five subjects (ages 7-13 years) with CP at Gross Motor Function Classification Scale level I wore a TheraTog undergarment for 12 weeks. Data collection included Vicon Motion Analysis, Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency, and Canadian Occupational Performance Measure at baseline; in and out of the garment after 12 weeks of wear; 2 months and 4 months after garment wear.
Results:
Kinematic data indicated increased peak hip extension and correction of anterior pelvic tilt in stance during wear time. Composite gross motor scores on the Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency and Canadian Occupational Performance Measure scores improved significantly at the end of wear time.
Conclusion:
When worn for a 12-week time frame, an individualized orthotic garment can improve gait and functional skills in some children with CP.
