What is the Bobath Therapy approach?

Have your ever heard of Bobath Therapy? Bobath is a type of Neurological Physio framework which aims to improve movement and mobility in patients with damage to their central nervous systems - their brain and spinal cord. Kaitlin Davis, a Neurological physiotherapist based in Tauranga helps to summarise what it means.

The Bobath concept is a problem solving approach used to treat adults and children with neurological problems. It was first developed by Berta Bobath, a physiotherapist is the 1950’s after she discovered that she could change the way people moved after stroke. During this time, there was limited understanding in brain recovery and it was thought that the brain was not able to change. We now know that the brain is plastic and is capable of learning new skills even after injury. This is known as neuroplasticity. Neuroplasticity involves the creation of new nerve cells (neurons) or connections that exist within the brain and spinal cord, resulting in short term and long-term adaptations in structure and function.

The Bobath Concept is defined as:

“An individualised, problem solving, living concept based on a systems approach to motor control, with particular emphasis on movement analysis and motor recovery from the perspective of integration of postural control task performance and contribution of sensory inputs”

Vaughan-Graham et al 2017

The Bobath Concept emphasises the importance of the integration of postural control and task performance (the ability to complete functional tasks such as sit to stand and walking) as well as the ability to control selective movement in order to complete coordination sequences needed for normal movement. Bobath trained therapists have a strong understanding of the contribution sensory information has on motor control and motor learning. It is an interactive process between assessment and treatment and the patient and therapist. How the patient responds to the treatment forms part of the assessment and this helps inform the next part of the treatment. If the person responds well, the treatment is altered to reinforce and build on the change and if they don’t respond well, the treatment is adjusted to make the task easier or to create a more positive response instead.

The Rehab Team is proud to be able to provide neurological physiotherapy services using the Bobath approach within Tauranga and the wider Bay of Plenty. If you are interested in learning more please contact The Rehab Team at admin@therehabteam.co.nz

References:

International Bobath Instructor Training Association, www.ibita.org

Vaughan‐Graham, J., & Cott, C. (2017). Phronesis: practical wisdom- the role of professional practice knowledge in the clinical reasoning of Bobath instructors. Journal of evaluation in clinical practice, 23(5), 935-948.