The Use of Lycra Garments in Children with Cerebral Palsy: A Report of a Descriptive Clinical Trial

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of wearing Lycra garments in children with cerebral palsy. Eight participants, aged 3 years 5 months to 13 years (male = 4, female = 4) and with a diagnosis of cerebral palsy, were recruited. A repeated measures design was used, with participants tested with the Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM) and the Quality of Upper Extremity Skills Test (QUEST) before and after intervention. Both parents and participants recorded the perceived advantages and disadvantages of the participant wearing the Lycra garment at the end of the trial. Each participant received a baseline test, was then provided with a Lycra garment and was re-tested once wear time was more than 4 hours per day. Four participants withdrew from the trial (discomfort from suit, n = 3; prescribed spinal jacket, n = 1). Of the remaining four participants, all showed an improvement in either GMFM or QUEST score and one showed improvement in both test scores. All but one of the eight participants recorded functional improvements when wearing their suit. In this population, the participants showed improvements in function when wearing a Lycra garment, but problems with discomfort remained a barrier for some children to their more sustained use.