Quality of Life and Functional Independence of TheraTogs in Children with Spastic Diplegic Cerebral Palsy: A...

Children with cerebral palsy (CP) have limited postural control and functional ability. TheraTogs was reported to improve postural stability. However, studies involving the functional ability and quality of life are limited. We aimed to investigate the effects of TheraTogs use as an orthotic garment and strapping system on the balance and functional ability of children with spastic diplegic CP and if wearing TheraTogs improves their quality of life.

A total of 34 children (aged 5-8 years) with spastic diplegic cerebral palsy participated in this study. The control group received conventional physical therapy (CPT), whereas the study group received CPT in addition to wearing TheraTogs. Balance, lower limb strength, and functional abilities were examined using the Biodex balance system, 30-s chair rise test, and Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory-PEDI).

The measured parameters of postural stability significantly improved in both groups post-treatment (p<0.05). The study group showed significant improvement in balance and lower limb strength compared to the traditional physical therapy group (p < 0.05). Both groups showed significant improvement in functional skill mobility (0.001 and 0.01 for control and study groups respectively) and caregiver assistance mobility scores (p=0.001 and <0.001 for control and study groups respectively); however, there was no significant improvement in self-care ability with TheraTogs. The 30s sit-to-stand showed increased number of sit to stands in both groups post treatment (p=<0.001 for both groups) and the study group showed significant improvement compared to the control group (p=0.01).

The findings in this study suggest that both conventional physical therapy and TheraTogs are beneficial in improving balance and functional ability. TheraTogs could be utilized as a useful posture orthosis to help improve the balance and functional strength of children with spastic diplegic cerebral, palsy indicating improved quality of life.