Bobath Therapy: Also known as Neurodevelopmental Therapy (NDT).
Purpose: Assessment and treatment of neurological conditions like cerebral palsy, stroke, head injuries, etc.
Approach: Problem-solving; unique strategies for each patient due to unique problems.
Key Concepts
Evaluation and Treatment: Therapists evaluate patients thoroughly to determine problems and devise strategies to address them.
Non-Compensatory Approach: Bobath rejected compensatory retraining (using the non-affected side) for retraining the affected side, emphasizing potential recovery.
Historical Background
Developers: Berta Bobath (physiotherapist) & Karel Bobath (psychiatrist/neurophysiologist).
Year of Development: 1948.
Method: Trial-and-error to develop therapeutic techniques affecting abnormal muscle tone in stroke patients.
Impact: Showed that abnormal tone in hemiplegic patients can be altered and normal movement patterns retrained.
Theoretical Developments
Further Research: Karel Bobath provided theoretical explanations for treatment outcomes, contributing to popularity and adoption of the therapy.
Contradiction with Existing Theories: Contradicted the reflex hierarchical theory by Charles Sherrington, showing neuroplasticity allows the brain to regain control and regulate tone.
Evolution of Bobath Therapy
Continuous Research: Ongoing evolution with new research, models, and methods added.
Current Understanding: Now commonly referred to as NDT.
Practice and Skills Development
Required Skills: Good posture and movement analysis.
Therapeutic Approach: Non-stereotypic; therapy tailored individually for each hemiplegic patient.
Questions for Therapists:
Assess patient's current functional status.
Evaluate activity level of the hemiplegic side.
Investigate reasons for lack of recruitment of the hemiplegic side in daily activities.
Consider factors like range of motion, strength, somatosensory awareness, and visual feedback.
Closing Remarks
Objective of Series: To popularize and make NDT more accessible to therapists globally.
Future Content: Will cover treatment techniques, assessment, and handling skills in upcoming videos.
Conclusion
Keep learning, sharing, and enhancing therapeutic methods through further exploration of NDT.