Lycra garments for children with cerebral palsy - version 3

• Research type

  Research Study

• Full title

  Lycra suits for children with Cerebral Palsy, a pilot study to assess effects on daily functional activities and participation

• IRAS ID

  159188

• Contact name

  Kavi Jagadamma

• Contact email

  kjagadamma@qmu.ac.uk

• Sponsor organisation

  Queen Margaret University

• Duration of Study in the UK

  0 years, 11 months, 30 days

• Research summary

  Children with cerebral palsy (CP) commonly present with impaired movement and posture, affecting daily function. Severity of CP can vary, and is usually classified using Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) levels I to V. Spastic bilateral CP is one common type in which there is motor impairment in arms, legs and trunk. Associated postural abnormalities of the trunk such as increased lumbar lordosis (curvature of the spine) are also common. Lycra garments are commonly used for treatment of children with CP. Among the different types of lycra garments, full body suits are reported to improve postural stability, balance and function. This suggests that body suits may be appropriate for children with bilateral CP. Lycra suits are prescribed for children who are mild to moderately affected by CP (GMFCS levels II- III) in some areas of Scotland with the aim of improving daily function, which lacks scientific evidence. A recent (unpublished) review of the literature carried out at Queen Margaret University showed a lack of good quality trials into the effects of lycra body suits for children with CP.
  We therefore propose a small scale study to explore the practical issues and the initial effects associated with wearing a lycra suit for children affected by mild to moderate CP (GMFCS levels II and III). We aim to randomly (by chance) allocate children to either an experimental group that uses lycra suits for 12 weeks intervention period, or a control group that continues with usual care. Measures of walking ability, daily living activity and participation will be recorded before and after the intervention and compared between groups. We also aim to explore compliance and parent and child experiences of using lycra suits.

• REC name

  South East Scotland REC 02

• REC reference

  14/SS/1068

• Date of REC Opinion

  16 Jan 2015

• REC opinion

  Further Information Favourable Opinion