Bobath: Neurodevelopmental Treatment

Question 1

What is Bobath: NDT?

Answer 1

Based on the hierarchial model of neurophysiologic function.

• Abnormal postural reflex activity and abnormal muscle tone are caused by the loss of CNS control at the brainstem and spinal cord

Question 2

Assumptions incorporated into NDT

Answer 2

Postural control:

• can be learned and modified through experience
• uses both feedback and feed-forward mechanisms
• is required for skill development
• develops by assuming progressive positions in which there is an increase in the distance between the center of gravity and the base of support. The base of support should also decrease

Question 3

Facillitation

Answer 3

technique used to elicit voluntary muscle contraction

Question 4

Inhibition

Answer 4

Technique used to decreased muscle tone or movement

Question 5

Key points of control

Answer 5

specific handling of designated areas of body (shoulder, pelvis, hand, foot) will influence and facillitate posture, alignment and control

Question 6

Placing

Answer 6

the act of movin an extremity into a position that the patient must hold against gravity.

Question 7

Reflex inhibiting posture

Answer 7

designated static positions that Bobath found to ingivit abnormal tonal influences and reflexes

Question 8

NDT intervention contructs

Answer 8

• avoid utilization of abnormal reflexes or associated reactions during treatment
• utilize manual contact and handling through key points of control for facillitation or inhibition
• emphasizing the use of rotation during acitivity
• treatment should be active and dynamic, incorporating function
• provide orientation to midline control by moving in and out of midline with dynamic activity
• belief that compensation techniques are unnecessary and should be avoided