Possible Applications for TheraTogs in Pediatric Neurorehabilitation

Question: Does a new adjuvant prove its worth to correct malposition of extremities and hypotonia of the body in the praxis of pediatric neurorehabilitation?

Material: TheraTogs^TM (Telluride, Colorado, United States) is an adjuvant which consists of trousers, waistcoat, and diverse applications that can also be worn separately. It is made of a special fabric which is worn directly on the skin. By proprioception, pull and stabilization, malpositions can be corrected and biomechanic conditions can be optimized. So far, 19 children from toddler to adolescent age were supplied with TheraTogs.

Result: A total of 12 children received a body, 7 on application for arm and hand. The body served for erection and stabilization of the body because of hypotonia. The applications for the upper extremity served for support of supination, wrist extension, and thumb abduction. We found positive effects of different intensity, especially in combination with other procedures, for example, physiotherapy and botulinum toxin. Benefits: The fabric is worn under the normal clothing and does not attract much attention. Special clothes or shoes are not necessary. By diverse applications that can be used or left an individual adjustment is possible. The material is light and flexible. Disadvantages: The dressing can be challenging and associated with expenditure of time according to the number of applications and cooperation of the patient. The material is not breathable and warm in summer. Limits of the method: Serious malpositions cannot be corrected because the firmness and the effect of correction do not suffice.

Conclusion: TheraTogs is a new aids material and therapy concept for correction of body hypotonia and moderate malposition of extremities. The fabric can be arranged between pure proprioceptive bandages and firm cotton fabrics with elastic elements. The utilization requires training and time.