Effects of Lycra suits in children with cerebral palsy

Abstract

Lycra garments have recently been used for children with cerebral palsy (CP), with favorable effects on alignment, biomechanics and neuromuscular activity. The aim of the present study is to determine the efficacy of a Lycra suit in improving motor function and static balance in children with CP. Five children with CP wore the Lycra suit for more than 4 h per day for 6 months. They were all assessed at baseline and 6 months after with an evaluation of static balance, using a "seated stabilometry exam", and a motor function assessment, using the Gross Motor Function Measure and Gross Motor function Classification System. The assessment of static balance was performed with and without the suit. Another 5 children with CP performed the same assessments and were used as a control group. An immediate improvement of static balance was observed at baseline, with the first use of the Lycra suit. Further improvement was observed at the 6 month follow up, with a statistical significance for the parameters assessing the antero-posterior axis. Both parents and children also reported functional benefits. Further studies are needed on long-term functional effects in a large cohort of children.

Keywords: Cerebral palsy; Lycra; Motor assessment; Static balance.