The Effect of 12 Weeks Training Program With TheraSuit and Its Durability on Balance Control and Gait Parameters in Children With Cerebral Palsy

Abstract

Background and Aims The prevalence of spastic cerebral palsy is increasing rapidly among children, with a prevalence of 2-4 per thousand people. This study aimed to investigate the effect of 12 weeks training program with TheraSuit and its durability on balance control and gait parameters in children with cerebral palsy. Methods This quasi-experimental study was performed on children (age range of 6-12 years) with spastic diplegia cerebral palsy referred to occupational therapy and rehabilitation clinics in Hamadan City, Iran, in 2021. Twelve children were selected by convenience sampling. Without random assignment, the patients were divided into two groups: with and without TheraSuits. Before and after the intervention, the balance score and kinematic parameters, including step length, step width, walking speed, ankle, thigh and knee range of motion, were measured in stationary and moving positions in both groups. The exercises were performed for 12 weeks, three sessions every other day for one hour. The Mann-Whitney U and Wilcoxon tests were used to evaluate the effectiveness of the intervention. All statistical analyses were performed in SPSS software, version 24 at a significance level of 5%. Results The results showed a significant improvement in balance score after the intervention in the intervention group compared to the control group (P=0.002), but the speed of walking, hip and knee range of motion significantly decreased compared to the control group (P<0.05). The results showed that 10 weeks and one month later, there was a lasting effect of training in both groups (P>0.05). Conclusion Our results confirmed the effectiveness of corrective exercises in the group with TheraSuit, so its use in a rehabilitation program for cerebral palsy patients is recommended, and the durability of the exercise was seen in both groups.