Abstract:

OBJECTIVE: A series of Bobath concept, Bobath theoretical hypothesis and clinical practice were summarized, to provide a better understanding of Bobath concept involved in nervous tissues repairing and functional reconstruction.
METHODS: Articles concerning the Bobath treatment for stroke-related literature were retrieved in Highwire press, MEDLINE, and Google from 2001 to 2009, using the key words of “Bobath concept, stroke physical therapy”. Data of each study were extracted and analyzed following retrieval. Inclusion criteria: ①Bobath concept and its theoretical hypothesis. ②New development of Bobath concept in clinical practice. Exclusion criteria: Repetitive studies. The results of retrieved literature were analyzed.
RESULTS: The theoretical basis of Bobath concept is based on present-day knowledge of motor control, motor learning, neural and muscle plasticity, and biomechanics. The latest theories and viewpoints are resourced from International Bobath Instructors Training Association and the British Bobath Tutors Association. They expounded on the Bobath concept from linking participation, activities and underlying impairments, organization of human behavior and motor control, the consequences of injury and dysfunction in the execution of movement, neural and muscle plasticity, motor learning and so. This article also discusses several important questions which meet in clinical practice.
CONCLUSION: Bobath therapy, as a traditional method for stroke rehabilitation, is constantly absorbing the research results from current neuroscience, psychology and other disciplines, and blended with other treatments to promote the development of neuro-rehabilitation medicine.