Bobath Exercises

Bobath exercises treats patients suffering from neurological conditions such as cerebral palsy, strokes, spinal cord injury and Parkinson's disease. According to the International Encyclopedia of Rehabilitation, the Bobath method of exercise helps patients improve mobility by manipulating their heads, torso and limbs. Physical therapists individualize the exercise programs based on the severity of the condition and the age of the patient. Bobath exercises are especially helpful in improving posture in children with cerebral palsy.

Origin

• Physiotherapist Berta Bobath and her husband Dr. Karl Bobath pioneered the Bobath concept in the early 1950s. Berta Bobath, who studied dance and gymnastics, used her knowledge of body movement, exercise and relaxation as a basis for her therapy concept. According the Bobath Centre website, Dr. Karl Bobath worked as a pediatrician and a pediatric surgeon and shared his wife's interests in neurological conditions in children and adults. He and his wife shared an interest in the treatment of children with cerebral palsy and neurological disorders affecting adults. They traveled around the world, teaching and training therapists how to use their exercises.

Treatment Method

• Bobath exercises improve mobility and posture to help patients function in daily life. Physical therapists used specialized handling to reduce stiffness, increase muscle control and stabilize muscle activity, according to the Treatments of Cerebral Palsy website. Children with cerebral palsy learn how to sit, stand and walk, depending on the severity of their condition. The treatment focuses on the manipulation of "key points" on a patient's body, particularly the head, spine, pelvic girdle, shoulders, feet and hands. Therapists help patients avoid abnormal postures and reflexes. Eventually, patients learn to control their bodies. Each therapy session lasts approximately 45 minutes.

Considerations

• The Bobath concept applies to patients of all ages, from infants to the elderly. Before patients receive treatment, a medical professional provides an assessment of the patient's condition to customize a course of action. Therapists document their patient's age, gender, type of neurological condition and number of days or years since the onset of the condition. For example, therapists treating teenagers consider a patient's bodily changes, weight gain and sexuality, according to Treatments of Cerebral Palsy. Patients who've suffered a stroke may get a combination of the Bobath and other rehabilitation treatments. Therapists adjust treatment methods based on a patient's progress after each session. "The Handbook of Neurological Rehabilitation" by Richard J. Greenwood says treatments adapt to individual responses and cannot be predictable and repetitive.

Family and Caregiver Roles

• Parents of children with cerebral palsy and those caring for individuals with neurological conditions play an important role in treatment. Therapists teach caregivers how to position patients and help them move correctly. According to Treatments of Cerebral Palsy, parents should incorporate movements into daily life and leisure activities.