The Bobath concept – a model to illustrate clinical practice

Abstract

This article describes the clinical application of the Bobath concept in terms of the integration of posture and movement with respect to the quality of task performance, applying the Model of Bobath Clinical Practice. Facilitation, a key aspect of Bobath clinical practice, was utilised to positively affect motor control and perception in two clients with impairment-related movement problems due to neurological pathology and associated activity limitations and participation restrictions - the outcome measures used to reflect the individual clinical presentation. Implications for Rehabilitation The model of Bobath clinical practice provides a framework identifying the unique aspects of the Bobath-concept. The model of Bobath clinical practice provides the basis for a common understanding with respect to Bobath clinical practice, education, and research. The clinical application of the Bobath-concept highlights the integration of posture and movement with respect to the quality of task performance. Facilitation, a key aspect of Bobath clinical practice, positively affects motor control, and perception.

Arm-hand boost therapy during inpatient stroke rehabilitation: a pilot randomized controlled trial

“…A significant between-group difference (p=0.003) was found with median (IQR) change scores of 9 (7.3-16.3) and 0.5 (−2.8-3) for the IG and DG, respectively. Conversely, between POST 1 and POST 2, patients in the DG improved with a median (IQR) of 8 (0-11) points compared to 1 (−3-2.5) point in the IG, although this difference did not reach significance (p=0.103).…”

“…The diagram also highlights the importance of stratification of patients towards different training objectives, based on the levels of trunk control and arm function that are reached (10). A focused therapy program for the upper limb needs to be further delineated by knowledge of neurophysiological recovery post stroke to ensure that specific therapy goals are set for the correct patient at each stage in recovery (11)(12)(13). The prerequisites for recovery of voluntary selective movements of the upper limb in patients post stroke include a large proximal component such as adequate postural control and core stability (14,15), correct scapula setting (16,17), efficient scapular humeral rhythm (17)(18)(19) and selective recruitment of reach-related musculature (20,21).…”

Added Value of Dynamic EMG in the Assessment of the Equinus and the Equinovarus Foot Deviation in Stroke Patients and Barriers Limiting Its Usage

“…Timing, amplitude and morphology of the dEMG signal can shed light on the residual level of motor control, muscle recruitment, interference of both muscle overactivity and non-neural components (6). Actually, knowing the causes for an alteration in the gait pattern of a patient, allows to set specific targets tailored to the patients' impairment, integrating the predefined physiotherapy protocols that are often used in everyday practice (29). Tailored physiotherapy should include intensive motor training, daily stretching at high load and exercises characterized by maximal amplitude rapid alternating movements (30).…”

Developing a revised definition of the Bobath concept

“…This is consistent with the recent literature identifying a Bobath clinical framework (Vaughan‐Graham & Cott, ), as well as the core tenets of IBITA instructors' conceptualization of movement (Vaughan‐Graham et al, ). Similarly, the recent publication by Michielsen, Vaughan‐Graham, Holland, Magri, and Suzuki () describing a “Model of Bobath Clinical Practice” identify functional movement analysis of which postural control, selective movement, and facilitation are identified as key components of the model (Michielsen et al, ).…”