Novita Research Report - 2004 to 2007 - Novita Children's Services

24ResultsThree participants were recruited, and showed variable responses to the intervention.Participant 1 showed a 6.5% decline in PCI score from baseline to one week postintervention,whereas after eight weeks post-intervention compared to one week postintervention,showed 12.9% improvement in PCI score. 6MWT distance improved by 18.4%,which decreased by 4.4% following eight weeks of no training.Participant 2 showed a 12.3% improvement in PCI score from baseline to one week postintervention,whereas after eight weeks post-intervention compared to one week postintervention,showed 9.4% improvement in PCI score. 6MWT distance decreased by 6.2%following treadmill training, which improved by 5.7% eight weeks post-intervention.Participant 3 showed a 29.5% improvement in PCI score from baseline to one week postintervention,whereas after eight weeks post-intervention compared to one week postintervention,showed 10.1% decline in PCI score. 6MWT distance increased by 1.8% from preto post-intervention, which decreased by 2.8% following eight weeks of no training.No change in participants’ functional mobility was detected using the SFA. This study foundthat eight weeks of treadmill training resulted in minimal improvement in energy efficiency inthree participants with CP. No carry-over to functional mobility at school was detected. Allparticipants managed the treadmill training and assessment protocol safely, though reportedit was somewhat of a burden.ImplicationsFor clients – treadmill training leads to small gains in energy efficiency, however moreresearch is needed.For services – treadmill training leads to small gains in energy efficiency and offers an avenuefor cardiovascular training for ambulant clients, however more research is needed.StatusCompletedProject titleContributorsSummaryThe Use of Theratogs – a pilot studySusan Gibson, Susan Bostock, Susan Gilson, Nicki StewartTheraTogs are an orthotic undergarment designed to improve functional alignment andmovement in children with a variety of neuromuscular conditions. Consisting of velcro andelastic strapping that can be applied in a variety of ways, the garment is prescribed and fittedby a physiotherapist or occupational therapist.TheraTogs work by applying prolonged and gentle force to correct muscle imbalance.This is believed to provide the child with more effective movement or muscle activation whileworking to gradually change existing movement patterns through muscle and movementre-education. While material promoting TheraTogs sounds promising, there is very littlescientific evidence supporting their use. This study assessed the effects of six weeks oftherapy using TheraTogs in young children with moderate to severe cerebral palsy (CP).