البدلة الفضائية Thera suit

Therasuit





HISTORY

* Space age invention that originated in Russia to counteract the negative effects (muscle atrophies, osteoporosis) that the astronauts experienced (lack of gravity) during their long trips in space
* In the 1990s the suit was used on children with neuromuscular disorders
* In 1997 the suit was introduced to American children
* In 2002 the TheraSuit was designed and registered with the FDA


THERASUIT METHOD
Combines an individualized intensive strengthening program for children with Cerebral Palsy utilizing the Thera Suit & Universal Exercise Unit
- Combats the effects of deconditioning & immobilization
- Realizes that standardized therapy approaches are less effective
- Based on the principles of Intensive Therapy and Strength Training
- Trains the disabled child’s body like that of a non disabled child
- New approach in which the Physical Therapy field is learning from the Health & Fitness field
- Structured program that enhances the growth & development of the individual



MAIN GOALS

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* Normalize the child’s muscle tone
* Increase active range of motion
* Increase strength & endurance
* Control over newly strengthened muscle groups allowing children to improve their functional skills working towards independence

THERASUIT
TheraSuit is a soft, proprioceptive, dynamic orthosis consisting of a cap, vest, shorts, knee pads, & shoe attachments that are connected to each other through a system of elastic bands. It is a safe, effective tool that we use combined with our intensive exercise program to accelerate the child’s progress.

*
* Improves proprioception
* Reduce pathological reflexes
* Restore proper patterns of movement & posture
* Provides external stabilization and supports weak muscles
* Corrects body alignment
* Influences vestibular system
* Stimulates the brain to re-train Central Nervous System
* Provides tactile and sensory stimulation
* Improves speech production and fluency
* Loads the body with gravity type pressures
* Accelerates the progress of newly learned movements & functional skills

INDICATIONS
· Children with Cerebral Palsy
· Stroke patients
· Traumatic brain injuries
· Spinal cord injuries
· Neuromuscular disorders


TYPICAL INTENSIVE EXERCISE PROGRAM
3 hours per day, 5 days a week, for 3 weeks

- First week: working on tone reduction, decreasing pathological movement patterns, and increasing active proper movement
patterns, & general strengthening

- Second week: working on strengthening specific muscle groups responsible for the function

- Third week: using the increased strength and endurance to improve the child’s level of function (sitting, crawling, walking)

HOW IT WORKS
· Decreases pathological movement patterns
· Increases strength and endurance
· Increases muscle control & coordination
· Increases functional activities (sitting, crawling, walking, etc)


ABOUT THE THERASUIT LLC OWNERS - Richard and Izabela Koscielny
· Parents of 2 daughters, Kaya 17-year-old with CP, and Maya 6-year-old
· Both hold a Master’s degree as Physical Therapists from the Academy of Physical Education in Poland
· Both have over 18 years experience with the special needs pediatric population
· Both are Certified Fitness Trainers
· Izabela is a Certified Yoga instructor for Special Children
· Richard is a Physical Education Trainer
· Both established Therasuit LLC Company in 2002, which sells their TheraSuit, Universal Exercise Unit as well as other special needs equipment.
· In 2003 both created & published Cerebral Palsy Magazine
· In 2003 both established the Pediatric Fitness Center offering Intensive Exercise Programs for individuals with Cerebral Palsy as well as training/education center for therapists who want to adopt this method.
· In 2004 both helped to establish American Association of Intensive Pediatric Physical Therapy.
Members of the American Academy of Cerebral Palsy and Developmental Medicine