The Neuro-Developmental Treatment Bobath concept
The Bobath concept is an approach to neurological rehabilitation that is applied
in patient assessment and treatment (such as with adults after stroke, or children
with cerebral palsy). The goal of applying the Bobath concept is to promote motor
learning for efficient motor control in various environments, thereby improving
participation and function. This is done through specific patient handling skills
to guide patients through initiation and completion of intended tasks.
This approach to neurological rehabilitation is multidisciplinary, primarily involving physiotherapists,
occupational therapists and speech and language therapists. In the United States, the Bobath concept
is also known as 'neuro-developmental treatment' (NDT). The Bobath concept is an approach to
neurological rehabilitation that is applied in patient assessment and treatment
(such as with adults after stroke, or children with cerebral palsy).
The goal of applying the Bobath concept is to promote motor learning
for efficient motor control in various environments, thereby improving
participation and function. This is done through specific patient handling
skills to guide patients through initiation and completion of intended tasks.
This approach to neurological rehabilitation is multidisciplinary, primarily
involving physiotherapists, occupational therapists and speech and language therapists.
In the United States, the Bobath concept is also known as 'neuro-developmental treatment'
(NDT).
Treatment The Neuro-Developmental Treatment (NDT/Bobath) approach
was developed for the treatment of individuals with Pathophysiology of the central nervous system (CNS),
primarily children with cerebral palsy (CP) and adults with cerebral vascular accidents (CVA).
Individuals with CNS Pathophysiology have dysfunction in posture and movement and subsequent
functional activity limitations. The Bobaths developed the NDT/Bobath approach to address these problems.
The NDT/Bobath approach continues to be enriched with the emergence of new theories, new models and new
information in the movement sciences.
In addition, as the characteristics of the population with CNS
Pathophysiology change, the approach continues to evolve.
