Spider Cage aids in pediatric therapy

UnityPoint Health -- St. Luke's Hospital Witwer Children's Therapy recently received two Universal Exercise Units, also known as a Spider cage, purchased from TheraSuit LLC.

The prevalence of cerebral palsy in the U.S. is 3.6 cases per 1,000 children. Treatment of neuromuscular disorders in children is difficult and effective treatment options are limited and sometimes difficult to access. The Universal Exercise Unit, or Spider Cage, is an effective treatment option. This four-sided structure allows a child to perform specific strengthening exercises in a gravity eliminated environment using a system of weights and pulleys, as well as allowing them to practice functional movements such as jumping, bouncing, and walking in a semi-suspended body weight supported environment. The Spider Cage is also appropriate for any child with weakness or delayed motor skills.

Children using the Universal Exercise Unit for therapy have nicknamed it the Spider cage because of the eight bungee cords that are attached to a belt around the child's waist. The eight bungee cords resemble the eight legs of a spider. The cords provide support to the child as they do various exercises to help the child gain more control.

Two Spider Cages were placed at Witwer Children's Therapy locations: one in Cedar Rapids and one in Hiawatha. Senior therapists in physical, occupational and speech therapy at both clinics received two days of intensive training in the use of the equipment.

An iGrant from UnityPoint Health -- St. Luke's Foundation's paid for the Spider Cages, which cost nearly $13,000. iGrant is funded 100 percent through iCare, St. Luke's annual employee campaign. During the first round of iGrant, the Foundation awarded $100,000 to 13 St. Luke's departments and in the second round they awarded $39,662 to nine St. Luke's departments.

Witwer Children's Therapy offers occupational, physical and speech therapy. It is one of the largest outpatient pediatric therapy centers in the state. Our pediatric therapists work with children who have a wide variety of special needs.