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Cited by 119Stroke Rehabilitation and RecoveryCerebral Palsy and Movement DisordersMedical Practices and Rehabilitation

The Bobath concept in stroke rehabilitation: a focus group study of the experienced physiotherapists' perspective

Lennon, Sheila, Ashburn, Ann·2000·Disability and Rehabilitation
DOI 10.1080/096382800445461
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Abstract

PURPOSE: The Bobath concept, usually known as neuro-developmental treatment (NDT) in America, is one of the major approaches used to rehabilitate patients following stroke; however since the last publication of Bobath (1990), the concept has been taught via an oral tradition on postgraduate courses. This study therefore aimed to explore with experienced therapists firstly how the Bobath concept had changed since 1990, and secondly what they considered its main theoretical assumptions to be using a focus group research design. METHOD: Eight peer-nominated expert physiotherapists agreed to participate in two focus groups organized according to specialist interest in either neurology (group A) or elderly care (group B). Therapists were asked to discuss six topics based on a review of published literature. Data analysis involved several readings of verbatim transcriptions, from which key themes and concepts were developed. RESULTS: All therapists agreed on the following core themes defining Bobath: analysis of normal movement, control of tone and facilitation of movement. Neuroplasticity was described as the primary rationale for treatment with therapists using afferent information to target the damaged central nervous system. In addition group A discussed motor learning, whereas group B discussed patient focused goals and relating treatment to function. CONCLUSIONS: This study highlighted changes in theory, terminology, and techniques. Tone remained a major problem in the rehabilitation management of the hemiplegic patient; however much attention was also directed towards the musculoskeletal system. Both facilitation of normal movement components and task specific practice using specific manual guidance were considered critical elements of the Bobath concept. For Bobath therapists, physiotherapy has an important impact on both the performance components of movement and functional outcomes. In view of the small numbers involved in this preliminary study, further studies are now needed to determine if these themes and concepts are congruent with the majority of physiotherapists' interpretation of the Bobath concept in stroke rehabilitation.

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Crossref · 10.1080/096382800445461

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  • Facilitation of normal movement components and task-specific practice using specific manual guidance have been identified as critical elements of the Bobath Concept.

    “Facilitation of normal movement components (which includes strategies to maintain muscle and joint alignment) and task-specific practice using specific manual guidance have been identified as critical elements of the Bobath Concept.1,4,60”

    From The Effectiveness of the Bobath Concept in Stroke Rehabilitation: What is the Evidence? (2009) · cites this paper as [60]

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Authors
Lennon, S., & Ashburn, A.
Affiliations
  • University of Ulster (GB)
  • University of Southampton (GB)
ORCID
Venue
Disability and Rehabilitation
Publisher
Informa UK Limited
Published
2000-01
Volume
22
Issue
15
Pages
665-674
ISSN
  • 0963-8288 (ISSN-L)
  • 1464-5165
DOI
10.1080/096382800445461
OpenAlex
W2103081978
Cited by
119
References
19
Citations by year
2026: 2 · 2025: 2 · 2024: 4 · 2023: 5 · 2022: 3 · 2021: 3 · 2020: 4 · 2019: 5 · 2018: 6 · 2017: 5 · 2016: 6 · 2015: 4 · 2014: 10 · 2013: 4 · 2012: 8
FWCI
4.82
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
closed
Locations
  • Disability and Rehabilitation (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, stroke rehabilitation, physiotherapists' perceptions, neuroplasticity, motor learning, task-specific practice, manual guidance, hemiplegia, afferent information, functional outcome
MeSH terms
Adult, Hemiplegia, Humans, Focus Groups, Physical Therapy Modalities

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