What is the PediaSuit Protocol?

The PediaSuit Protocol Beginnings

The original suit, referred to as the Penguin PediaSuit Protocol, was developed in 1971 by doctors in the Russian Center for Aeronautical and Space Medicine to fight the effects of a gravity eliminated environment. 

The researchers were noticing that after the astronauts returned to Earth from the space station, the astronauts were having muscle weakness and fractures, therefore, the Penguin suit was developed. 

It used a series of bungees to resist the astronauts movements and imitate the effects gravity.  After working with the suit, a researcher noticed the astronauts not using the suit demonstrated postural insecurities similar to children with cerebral palsy.  

With modifications the Penguin suit was transformed into the Adeli Suit in 1992. 

The Adeli Suit was the only one of its kind until 2002 when the Adeli suit was updated.

The suit is a form fitting suit consisting of a cap, vest, shorts, kneepads, and specially adapted shoes, all connected to each other through a system of adjustable straps and elastic bands.

How does the PediaSuit Protocol Work

The suit serves as an external skeletal support for patients with neuromuscular disorders (including Cerebral Palsy). The suit facilitates independence in the development of new gross and fine motor skills like sitting, standing, and walking. When worn during and in conjunction with physical therapy, the suit can accelerate a child's progress.

The goals of the PediaSuit Protocol Improve proprioception (sensation from the joints, ligaments, and muscles)

• Reduce pathological or abnormal reflexes
• Restore proper patterns of movement
• Increase weight bearing for normalized sensory input regarding posture and movement