PediaSuit

USE

in intensive care: Indication, contraindication and benefits of therapy with the use of coveralls.

 

USE OF PEDIASUIT IN INTENSIVE CARE

 

The use of the Proprioceptive Orthesis, combined with the intensive therapy protocol, focuses on motor development, muscle strengthening, resistance, flexibility, balance and coordination. The key elements of this type of therapy are the PediaSuit and the “Ability Exercise Unit” (AEU) or "cage".

 

The "Monkey Cage" (figure 3) is a rigid three-dimensional metal cage with metal pulleys that are arranged to stretch and strengthen muscle groups.

 

In the "Spider's Cage", the patient wears a leather belt, to which bungee cords are connected. In this way, the patient is supported and can safely learn to transfer weight, jump, kneel, climb steps and step over objects. The "Spider Cage" (figure 4) is an effective tool for applying the Bobath Concept treatment, one of the most widespread and accepted methods for "reprogramming" the central nervous and neuromuscular system and for teaching the brain functional motor skills.

 

INDICATIONS

 

Therapy with the Orthopedic Therapeutic Suit, combined with Intensive Care, has been beneficial for children with diagnoses including:

 

- Non-progressive chronic encephalopathy

- Delay in motor development

- Traumatic brain injury

- BIRD

- Ataxia

- athetosis

- Autism

- Syndromes with delayed Neuro-psycho-motor development

- Spinal cord injuries

- Vestibular disorders

- Neurological sequelae of tumors

 

 

PRECAUTIONS AND CONTRAINDICATIONS

 

Before initiating therapy with the orthopedic therapeutic overalls, a recent hip x-ray examination is necessary. If the patient has scoliosis, an x-ray of the spine is also requested. Some children may need adaptations or strict monitoring at the discretion of the professional responsible for applying the PediaSuit protocol.

 

Precautions for these conditions:

 

- hip dislocation

- Uncontrolled convulsive activities, therapy performed with a mirror in front of the patient is advisable to detect   seizures.

- Hydrocephalus (with shunt shunt): you can use the orthopedic therapeutic overalls, but any activity that puts the patient's head down    must be limited.

- Diabetes: requires medical advice on controlling hypoglycemia during therapy. Do not exercise if blood glucose is above 210.

- Liver and Kidney patients, these patients have an increase in their protein levels, which makes the heart work harder.

- High blood pressure, since at rest the action of the orthopedic therapeutic overalls can increase blood pressure by 20%, we must constantly monitor patients with high blood pressure.

- Severe spasticity combined with joint contractures

- Height less than 83 centimeters

- Baclofen pump therapy

- Tracheostomy and/or gastrointestinal tube

 

For patients with any of the conditions listed above, it is important to have a medical evaluation to participate in intensive therapy with the use of the orthopedic therapeutic coverall.

 

 

ABSOLUTE CONTRAINDICATIONS FOR TREATMENT WITH THERAPEUTIC-ORTHOPEDIC OVERALL THERAPY

 

- Dislocation of the hip with medical prohibition, or that causes pain.

- Scoliosis with complaint of pain

- Osteoporosis

- high blood pressure

- Certain types of heart disease

- Severe vascular changes

- Progressive muscular dystrophies

 

 

BENEFITS OF THERAPY WITH THE USE OF ORTHOPEDIC THERAPEUTIC OVERALL

 

- Improved CNS sensory and motor input

- Modulates muscle tone

- Improved biomechanical fit with external stabilization

- Improves hip alignment through vertical load on the hip

- Improved body symmetry

- Provides tactile stimulation

- Corrects the gait pattern

- Helps reduce contractures

- Improves bone density

- Promotes improvement of fine and gross motor skills

- Promotes endurance for muscle building

- Improves body awareness in relation to space

- Promotes muscle stability

- Modulation of ataxia and athetosis

- Provides vestibular input

- Assists in speech production and swallowing by improving head control and trunk support.