Bobath Approach

Introduction[edit | edit source]

Bobath approach is a problem-solving neurodevelopmental(NDT) approach for assessment and treatment of individuals with cerebral palsy and other allied neurological conditions.It is named after Berta Bobath, a physiotherapist, and her husband Karel, a psychiatrist/neuropsychiatrist

What is NDT ?[edit | edit source]

  • The Bobath approach addresses the problems that occur as a result of impairment of the developing central nervous system that affect the individual's sensory - motor, cognitive, perceptual, social and emotional development
  • It is an approach/concept, not a method
  • It recognises that all clients with neurodisability have the potential for enhanced function
  • It recognises the need for thorough analysis of each patient's functional skills
  • need for the person's own activity
  • Based on available knowledge evidence
  • It is an important approach to the rehabilitation of patients with neurological injuries.
  • In the United States the Bobath concept is usually referred to as 'neuro-developmental treatment' (NDT).
  • It is based on the brain's ability to reorganise (neuroplasticity)
  • It is a multidisciplinary approach, involving physiotherapists, occupational therapists and speech and language therapists.
  • Individuals with CNS pathophysiology have dysfunction in posture and movement and subsequent functional activity limitations.

living concept[edit | edit source]

  • The NDT/Bobath approach continues to be enriched with the emergence of new theories, new models and new information in the movement sciences.there have been changes in the cocept of NDT and  some aspects are remain the same

Aspects that are remain the same:[edit | edit source]

It is a problem solving and assessements aproach


Tune paly an important role in movements pattern and postural control and directly effect the perfomence of functional tasks 


Handling is the main method for better functional and postural performences of tasks .


Individuals are encourage for active participations during treatment sessions 


functional training is importants of developments 

Aspects that have been  changed:[edit | edit source]

Neural and none neural components can be affected by tone.


Spasticty is rarely a major source of patient's movements disorders[1]


  • In addition, as the characteristics of the population with CNS pathophysiology change, the approach continues to evolve.[2]

controversy about the effectivness of NDT[edit | edit source]

there are some controversaries that NDT is one of some thereuuetics that should be no longer use , you can read about it more HERE

Sources[edit | edit source]

External links[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]

  1. Bobath concept, Theory and clinical practice in neurological rehabilitation
  2. Bobath concept. (2008, August 23). In Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved 14:04, September 14, 2008,