Effects of Suit-Orthosis on Postural Adjustments During Seated Reaching Task in Children With Cerebral Palsy

Aim To investigate suit-orthosis effects on postural sway during anticipatory and compensatory postural adjustments (APA and CPA, respectively) in a seated reaching task performed by children with cerebral palsy (CP). Methods Twenty-nine children were divided according to Manual Ability Classification System (MACS) I and II-III. Participants were instructed to reach forward toward an object both in a no-suit condition and in a suit-orthosis condition. Results Using the suit-orthosis, children at MACS II-III decreased velocity of center-of-pressure (CoP) sway during APA, whereas children at MACS I increased the anterior-posterior CoP displacement during CPA. Conclusion Suit-orthosis improved postural stability in children at MACS II-III during APA. The suit may assist with arm function control during postural sway when preparing to reach for objects. Clinical implications Suit-orthoses in therapy should be individually prescribed considering the intended activity and person's motor impairment.