Pedia-Suit Overview 

Eric Chessen, M.S., YCS, Founder, Autism Fitness

12-4-09 

General

The documented history of the Pedia-suit supports its use for individuals with debilitating muscular disorders and degenerative muscular complications. Additionally, the rehabilitative potential of the suit lends possibility to treating a diverse range of individuals and populations. The application of the suit is versatile due to the progressive and regressive strategies that can be used, for example, supporting a non-ambulatory individual in standing, seated, and prone positions without compromising postural integrity.

The suit provides a safe environment for developing both mobility and strengthening (maximal and endurance). Additionally, clients receive benefit from engaging in activities in multiple planes of motion while being in several positions (prone, seated, standing, locomotive). The mechanics and use of the suit is relatively easy to learn, particularly for those professionals with a background in physical therapy or applied physiology. The fundamental purpose of the Pedia-suit program is to support weak and tight muscle groups by providing stability and assistance from the proximal muscle groups. By promoting a “fixed,” supportive position, the client is able to engage in a greater range of activities and therapeutic interventions in gross and fine motor areas.

Specific Application

Administration of the suit begins with safely placing the suit on the client via the Velcro clasps. The first bands placed on the suit cross the midline of the chest from pectorals to sternum. Level of resistance (tightness) of band is dependant on the current levels of muscular tone, hyper/hypo-flexibility, and any potential contraindications (restriction of breathing, feeding tube, etc.). The bands serve both stabilizing and corrective functions by mitigating anterior and posterior imbalances. Clients presenting anterior pelvic tilt may require more posterior stability in order to neutralize hip flexion. As the body tends to act synergistically, bands placed in the posterior region of the lower body (hamstrings, gluteals) can also facilitate proper stability of the knee, which often rotates inward (genu valgus) when hip flexibility is compromised.

Application to particular disorders (M.S., Autsim, CP) can be considered from a general perspective, but must take into account the needs of the individual client. In cases concerning developmental disabilities (Autism, MR), tolerance of aversive or novel activities may be limited. As such, introduction of the suit therapy program must involve both incremental goal setting/achievement and maintaining a positive, supportive, and reinforcing environment. While some contraindications for using the suit may exist, high individualization allows programs to circumvent any potential problems. Equally important is the progressive aspect of the suit and program. Rather than a single level or great variance in stages of progression, a program can be altered such that the progression from full support to limited support via the suit is provided in small increments. This provides clients with a program conducive to gradual advancement in strength, mobility, self-confidence, and kinesthetic/body awareness.

Future Application and Consideration

A current goal of the Pedia-suit program is validation via scientifically valid research. This would both require study and subsequent development of a specific protocol for assessment, therapeutic application of the suit, goal setting, data collection, measuring progress, outcomes, progression, generalization, and maintenance. Question surrounding best practices both from physical and behavioral perspectives must be explored. For compliant individuals undergoing treatment, introduction of behavior modification programs may not be a primary concern, however maintaining and increasing motivation, self-confidence, and socialization skills are always central to a successful therapeutic program. Additionally it is suggested that focus continue on home-based programs following intensive treatment. Suit-therapy is an intensive process with the primary goal of increasing baseline foundational skills including but not limited to standing, crawling, and walking. It must be stressed that achievement of these goals for many clients will be gradual, and that continuous and consistent application of approved therapies will aid in the process.

Eric Chessen, M.S., YCS, Founder, Autism Fitness

12-04-09