The SpiderCage, also known as the Universal Exercise Unit (UEU) or Multifunctional Therapy Unit (MTU), is a specialised piece of therapy equipment designed to help children practise movement, balance, and strengthening exercises with greater support and freedom.
The system uses a secure belt and elastic bungee cords to provide support from multiple angles. This allows children to practise functional movements while maintaining proper positioning and alignment, giving them the opportunity to explore upright positions and movements that may otherwise be challenging. At NAPA Centre, we use SpiderCage therapy as part of individualised treatment programs based on each child’s abilities, goals, and needs.
What this means for your child
Bungee support lets children practise standing, balance, and walking with less hands-on help, so they can take a more active role in their own therapy.
During a therapy session, a child is safely positioned within the SpiderCage and connected to elastic bungee cords. The bungees provide adjustable partial body weight support while still allowing the child to actively participate in movement. With this additional support, children can practise a variety of functional transitions and strengthening activities, including:
The SpiderCage can reduce the amount of hands-on assistance needed from the therapist while providing the child with a secure environment to actively work on movement and independence.
SpiderCage therapy gives children the opportunity to practise movements while receiving customised support. The bungee system can help children compensate for areas of weakness and engage different parts of their bodies as they work towards functional movement goals.
The SpiderCage allows children to participate in body-weight-supported exercises with added security. This can decrease the need for constant hands-on assistance and encourage children to take a more active role in their therapy.
As children develop strength, balance, and motor control, they can begin to participate in activities that may have previously felt difficult or inaccessible. Practising these skills in a supportive environment can help build confidence and encourage greater independence.
The SpiderCage provides opportunities to practise dynamic balance during functional transitions. Children can work on moving through transitions and eventually towards standing while receiving support from the bungee system.
At NAPA Centre, we believe that every child deserves a therapy program designed around their individual needs. There is no single approach that works for every child, which is why our therapists take the time to understand each child’s abilities, challenges, interests, and goals.
SpiderCage therapy may be incorporated into a child’s physiotherapy or occupational therapy program when it can support their individual treatment goals. Our therapists can adjust the level and direction of support to help children safely practise meaningful movements while encouraging as much active participation as possible. Whether your child is working on balance, strength, transitions, standing, or functional mobility, the SpiderCage can provide a supportive environment for practising these skills.
Treadmill training is a research-supported approach to paediatric gait rehabilitation, with studies demonstrating potential improvements in areas such as walking speed, endurance, balance, and gross motor function. The repetitive, task-specific nature of treadmill training gives children frequent opportunities to practise the movements involved in walking, while the therapist can adjust support and challenge as the child’s abilities develop.
The SpiderCage can be used with a treadmill to provide partial body weight support during gait training. By reducing some of the weight a child needs to support, therapists can create opportunities for children to practise stepping repeatedly while working towards greater independence, improved alignment, and increased endurance. This can be especially helpful for children who may not yet be able to safely or independently practise enough steps during overground walking.
At NAPA Centre, we take an individualised approach to therapy because we know that every child is unique. Our multidisciplinary team works closely with families to understand their goals and create personalised therapy programs that support each child’s development. Your child’s therapy journey is uniquely theirs, and we’re here to support every step along the way.
The SpiderCage, also known as the Universal Exercise Unit (UEU) or Multifunctional Therapy Unit (MTU), is a specialised piece of therapy equipment that helps children practise movement, balance, and strengthening exercises with greater support and freedom.
A child is safely positioned within the SpiderCage and connected to elastic bungee cords with a secure belt. The bungees provide adjustable partial body weight support from multiple angles while still allowing the child to actively participate in movement.
Children can practise upright positions such as sitting, kneeling, and standing; kneeling-to-standing transitions; supported standing and balance; weight-bearing and strengthening exercises; dynamic balance activities; and supported treadmill walking.
Yes. The SpiderCage can be used with a treadmill to provide partial body weight support during gait training, giving children more opportunities to practise stepping while working towards greater independence, improved alignment, and increased endurance.
Both. SpiderCage therapy may be incorporated into a child’s physiotherapy or occupational therapy program when it can support their individual treatment goals.
NAPA’s UK clinic is located in London. Our team will help you find the best fit for your child’s therapy plan.
Our therapists can help you understand how supported movement practice could help your child reach their goals.
or call 020 4515 5441