Table 2 Soft orthoses and orthotic suits

Book chapter

Describing different devices employed especially to avoid deformities, block the function, and prevent the beginning of the chain created as a functional pattern.

Summary of rehabilitation strategies for dystonia in children.

Splints made of soft, semi-rigid or combined materials can be useful in supporting functional position during movement, containing the joint and giving proprioceptive information.

[19]

Scientific paper

Evaluating Lycra garments: (1) changes in functional daily skills, (2) changes in posture and movement of the upper body, (3) client/families’ assessment of their child’s responses and function/behavioural changes.

Clinical study.

12 children, with athetosis, ataxia, and spasticity.

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.

[75]

Scientific paper

Reporting on the orthotic management of cerebral palsy. In particular, Lycra garments are designed and used to allow some voluntary movements or at least preserve and favour residual motion.

Report about the recommendations from a consensus conference.

Effectiveness of Lycra soft garments to improve function is not established, and should be evaluated carefully.

[7]

Scientific review

Investigating if Lycra garments could improve function and posture in children with cerebral palsy.

Systematic review of the literature.

Many of the studies considered, include children with different types of cerebral palsy, but do not use objective outcome measures.

Some positive results should be weighted with discomfort, loss of independence and costs of the garments. For this kind of treatment, individual assessment and prescription is essential.

[47]

Scientific paper

Evaluating the effects of the Adeli suit (various versions).

Clinical study.

45 patients with acute cerebrovascular lesions (ACVL) and 10 patients with hyperkinetic syndromes.

Data obtained for the hyperkinetic group are

particularly preliminary in nature. Signs of hyperkinesia were reduced. Positive effects lasted 1.5–3 h, and hyperkinesia then returned.

[76]

Scientific paper

Comparing the efficacy of Adeli suit treatment (AST) with neurodevelopmental treatment (NDT) in children with cerebral palsy (CP).

Clinical study.

24 children with CP

Age: 6 to 12 years.

Improvement of efficacy index for children with higher levels of motor function, without the gain of additional gross motor skills, as reflected by a reduced metabolic cost of external work. Not evident the retention in comparison to other treatments.

[77]

Scientific paper

Examining the effects of wearing a therapeutic suit during an intensive therapy program on motor function among children with cerebral palsy.

Clinical study.

20 children were randomized to an experimental (Therasuit) or a control (control suit) group and participated in an intensive therapy program.

Children wearing the Therasuit during an intensive therapy program did not demonstrate improved motor function compared with those wearing a control suit during the same program.

[78]

Scientific review

Evaluating the available evidence on the effects of interventions based on the use of therapeutic suits in the treatment of impairments and functional limitations of children with cerebral palsy.

Systematic review of the literature

The low quality of evidence suggests caution in recommending the use of these therapeutic suits.

[48]

Systematic review

Describing systematically the best available intervention evidence for children with cerebral palsy (CP).

Systematic review of systematic reviews.

Conflicting evidence. One trial suggests positive

effect the other suggest no benefits in using Therasuits for the improvement of gross motor function.

[17]