24-Hour postural care and use of sleep systems in cerebral palsy

Abstract

The purpose of this article is to explain the impact of secondary musculoskeletal problems in cerebral palsy and the impact with growth on body posture and how postural care and use of sleep systems can help protect and preserve body shape. Successful postural care relies on a family's engagement of the programme. To engage them education staff and health care workers require the awareness of the impact of body shape distortion and the fact it can be reduced or avoided through good postural care. A failure to provide good postural care increases the risks of physical changes in the bones and muscles and joints, which can lead to severe issues on an individual's respiration, circulation and their digestion. This can lead to compromising the internal organs and has the potential to lead to premature death. It is important for everyone involved in the care of children with CP to have knowledge and understanding of the importance of postural care. The child needs a team around them empowering the family through education and support. All clinicians should be able to identify who will need it, know how they can refer on to access assessment of the child and training for the family and be aware off the postural care plan as it is developed to get the right equipment in place. The benefits of an improved posture can result in reduced muscle tone, increased comfort, improved functioning and participation, and better sleeping patterns. This leads to an improved quality of life for the child and the family.