Rehab

Cosmonaut suit helps children with CP

Rehab Regs, January 30, 2004

The TheraSuit, originally designed to help Russian cosmonauts return from zero gravity--by assisting in necessary rehab and helping to rebuild lost muscle strength--is being used to help children suffering from cerebral palsy (CP). The suit is form-fitting and has adjustable elastic cords designed to align the body of the child and guide the limbs to move in a normal way, according to the Times-Picayune [New Orleans, LA]. The cords, which resemble bungee cords, act as resistance, which helps strengthen and normalize the weakened muscles. The therapy, currently being performed at 16 TheraSuit clinics across the country, is provided in three hour sessions, five days a week, for three weeks. CP is a neuro-muscular disease that afflicts about 500,000 Americans.

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