The current theoretical assumptions of the Bobath concept as determined by the members of BBTA
Abstract
The Bobath concept is a problem-solving approach to the assessment and treatment of individuals following a lesion of the central nervous system that offers therapists a framework for their clinical practice. The aim of this study was to facilitate a group of experts in determining the current theoretical assumptions underpinning the Bobath concept.A four-round Delphi study was used. The expert sample included all 15 members of the British Bobath Tutors Association. Initial statements were identified from the literature with respondents generating additional statements. Level of agreement was determined by using a five-point Likert scale. Level of consensus was set at 80%. Eighty-five statements were rated from the literature along with 115 generated by the group. Ninety-three statements were identified as representing the theoretical underpinning of the Bobath concept. The Bobath experts agreed that therapists need to be aware of the principles of motor learning such as active participation, opportunities for practice and meaningful goals. They emphasized that therapy is an interactive process between individual, therapist, and the environment and aims to promote efficiency of movement to the individual's maximum potential rather than normal movement. Treatment was identified by the experts as having "change of functional outcome" at its center.
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The Bobath Concept has evolved into its current form by selectively incorporating scientific knowledge.
“the Bobath Concept has evolved into its current form by selectively incorporating this knowledge.9 -12”
From The Effectiveness of the Bobath Concept in Stroke Rehabilitation: What is the Evidence? (2009) · cites this paper as [11]
Therapy based on the Bobath Concept aims to regain motor control and function of the hemiparetic side after stroke without promoting compensation.
“Therapy based on the Bobath Concept aims to regain motor control and function of the hemiparetic side after stroke without promoting compensation.4,11,12”
From The Effectiveness of the Bobath Concept in Stroke Rehabilitation: What is the Evidence? (2009) · cites this paper as [11]
Expert Bobath tutors acknowledge that compensation may be necessary but that therapy should not aim to promote compensation.
“The expert tutors also acknowledge that compensation may be necessary but that therapy should not aim to promote compensation.11,12”
From The Effectiveness of the Bobath Concept in Stroke Rehabilitation: What is the Evidence? (2009) · cites this paper as [11]
The Bobath Concept targets both impairments and functional task practice.
“IBITA 12 and Raine 10,11, which have investigated the beliefs of expert Bobath tutors, both confirm that the Bobath Concept targets both impairments and functional task practice”
From The Effectiveness of the Bobath Concept in Stroke Rehabilitation: What is the Evidence? (2009) · cites this paper as [11]
Successful goal acquisition in a given task must be practiced to improve efficiency of movement and promote generalization in everyday life.
“stating that successful goal acquisition in a given task must be practiced to improve efficiency of movement and promote generalization in everyday life.”
From The Effectiveness of the Bobath Concept in Stroke Rehabilitation: What is the Evidence? (2009) · cites this paper as [11]
The aim of therapy in the Bobath Concept is to optimize postural and movement strategies to improve efficiency so that patients can achieve their maximum potential, not to achieve normal movement.
“A more recent publication by Raine 11 states that the aim of therapy is to optimize postural and movement strategies to improve efficiency so that patients can achieve their maximum potential; the aim is not about achieving normal movement.”
From The Effectiveness of the Bobath Concept in Stroke Rehabilitation: What is the Evidence? (2009) · cites this paper as [11]
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The Effectiveness of the Bobath Concept in Stroke Rehabilitation: What is the Evidence?
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“The MBCP, congruent with the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF) [5,11,58,59], explicates the clinical reasoning process enabling the development of a comprehensive individualized intervention plan rarely considered in effectiveness studies [60].”
- Authors
- Raine, S.
- Affiliations
- Walkergate Park Hospital (GB)
- Corresponding author
- Raine, Sue
- Venue
- Physiotherapy Theory and Practice
- Publisher
- Informa UK Limited
- Published
- 2007-01
- Volume
- 23
- Issue
- 3
- Pages
- 137-152
- ISSN
- 0959-3985 (ISSN-L)
- 1532-5040
- OpenAlex
- W2025269902
- Cited by
- 72
- References
- 28
- Citations by year
- 2026: 1 · 2025: 2 · 2024: 2 · 2023: 4 · 2022: 5 · 2021: 3 · 2020: 1 · 2019: 4 · 2018: 3 · 2017: 2 · 2016: 5 · 2015: 3 · 2014: 6 · 2013: 4 · 2012: 4
- FWCI
- 6.49
- Type
- journal article
- Language
- en
- Open access
- closed
- Locations
- Physiotherapy Theory and Practice (publishedVersion)
- PubMed (publishedVersion)
- Topics
- Health Sciences › Medicine › Rehabilitation › Stroke Rehabilitation and Recovery
- Health Sciences › Medicine › Psychiatry and Mental health › Cerebral Palsy and Movement Disorders
- Health Sciences › Health Professions › Physical Therapy, Sports Therapy and Rehabilitation › Medical Practices and Rehabilitation
- Keywords
- Bobath concept, theoretical assumptions, central nervous system lesions, motor learning, active participation, movement efficiency, functional outcome, expert consensus, neurorehabilitation
- MeSH terms
- Central Nervous System Diseases, Delphi Technique, Humans, Models, Theoretical, Movement Disorders, Problem Solving, Physical Therapy Modalities, Consensus
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