Movement Disorder Change in a Child with Choreic Movement Disorder Using an Elasto-Compressive Bodysuit
Background/Objectives: Dynamic movement orthoses (DMOs) are elasto-compressive bodysuits used in the rehabilitation of children with motor disabilities, mainly in children with cerebral palsy. Among the DMOs, the FLEXA® represents one of the most frequently used orthoses in clinical practice due to its adaptability and flexibility. The purpose of this case study is to describe the application of FLEXA® in an 18-month-old female child with choreic cerebral palsy. Methods: To evaluate the effect of the dynamic movement orthosis (FLEXA®), the Movement Disorder-Childhood Rating Scale (MD-CRS) 0–3 years was administered. The child was evaluated before the use of the FLEXA® bodysuit, and with the bodysuit donned approximately 30 min after its application. A follow-up using the same assessments was carried out at 6 months. Results: The results showed an important change in the severity of the movements according to the MD-CRS; mainly, the child’s movement disorder severity changed from a grade five severity (profoundly affected) without the bodysuit to grade three (moderately affected) with the use of the bodysuit. The benefit was maintained during follow-up even without the bodysuit, and a further improvement was observed in assessments with the bodysuit. Conclusions: This case report highlights the potential benefits of dynamic movement orthosis, like the FLEXA®, in managing movement disorders in children with choreic form of cerebral palsy. Extending the study to a larger sample would help to strengthen the validity of these findings and confirm the beneficial effects of use of DMOs for children with movement disorders.
Authors
- Domenico Marco Romeo (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6229-1208)
- Francesca Sini
- Chiara Velli
- Maddalena Bianchetti
- Eugenio Mercuri (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9851-5365)
Institutions
- Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore (IT)
- Agostino Gemelli University Polyclinic (IT)
- Istituti di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IT)
Publication Details
- Journal
- Children
- Published
- 2026-04-27
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.3390/children13050600
- Primary Topic
- Cerebral Palsy and Movement Disorders
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 0.00