What it is: The Adeli Suit is a modification of a space suit (the Penguin Suit) designed for Russian Cosmonauts. The Adeli Suit is patented by a Polish-Russian organization, Euromed. Currently, treatment is only available at their facility in northern Poland.

How it Works: The form-fitting suit, adapted for use by children, is a system of elastic cords attached to a wide belt worn at the hips and is connected to shoes and kneepads. Special cords connecting to the shoulders and other parts of the body have also been developed. Selected muscle groups are exercised as the child moves. The elastic cords create tension, thus developing the muscles in the legs and arms. The suit works as an elastic frame surrounding the body.

The comprehensive program in Poland is intensive physio-therapy of five to seven hours a day, five to six days a week for four weeks. The therapy works to correct posture and provide external sensory stimulation through resistance movements.

Similar "space suit" treatment is available in the United States through Euro-Peds, a program located at North Oakland Medical Center in California. Richard and Izabela Koscielny, physical therapists whose daughter was involved in the Euromed program in Poland, started this program in 1999. These two programs are not affiliated.

For More Information: To learn more about the Adeli Suit, visit the following Web sites:

ww.euromed.pl

EuromedAmerica@aol.com

UCP

Healing Arts

Detroit Free Press

United Cerebral Palsy of New York City is providing basic information and recommends that you seek expert medical advice with regard to the Adeli Suit. UCP's providing this information should not be viewed as an endorsement of the treatment.