Effect of Pediasuit on postural control in children with cerebral palsy

Abstract

It is known about the effectiveness of many interventions in children with cerebral palsy (CP), including the use of orthoses and assistive devices in the process of rehab and during the child's daily life. The latest program is the Suit Therapy method which is based on an intensive and specific exercise program, which includes the use of a stent body that promotes biomechanical alignment through a system of elastic cords. Although this type of method is being used, no studies in the literature showing the effectiveness of bracing Pedisuit in children in different GMFCS levels. Furthermore, considering that children with CP have changes in postural control mechanisms, with difficulty in performing functional activities and in different contexts of daily activity, the objective of this study is to investigate the immediate effects of the use of Pediasuit in control of sitting posture in children with CP levels of GMFCS I to IV. As well, the immediate effects of the use of Pediasuit in control of standing posture in children with PC levels of GMFCS I and II. In addition, a secondary objective of this project is whether bracing influences Pediasuit ability to adjust the control of posture sitting and standing CP children in different GMFCS levels, thereby using the conditions eyes open and closed (blindfolded) surfaces unstable and stable. The kinetic data will be collected using the force platform. The EMG data will be collected using a 16-channel portable EMG. In addition, a scale to determine static balance, dynamic and trunk coordination is applied. Three collections will be held for 20 seconds with the child's eyes open, with a rest period of 120 seconds between each one. Then the conditions will be used eyes closed beneath the surface stable and unstable, with and without bracing Pediasuit. The variables obtained by kinetic analysis are amplitude, area and speed of oscillation of the center of pressure. The analysis of EMG variables are the level of muscle activity. The descriptive results are obtained by calculating the mean and standard deviation, and will be evaluated by testing appropriate to the normality of their distribution. Is assumed a significance level of 5% (p d 0.05). Thus, we expect an improvement in the performance of sitting and standing posture for the conditions with the use of the orthosis Pediasuit, independent of sensory demands.