The Bobath concept - a model to illustrate clinical practice

Disabil Rehabil. 2019 Aug;41(17):2080-2092. doi: 10.1080/09638288.2017.1417496. Epub 2017 Dec 17.

Abstract

Background and purpose: The model of Bobath clinical practice provides a framework identifying the unique aspects of the Bobath concept in terms of contemporary neurological rehabilitation. The utilisation of a framework to illustrate the clinical application of the Bobath concept provides the basis for a common understanding with respect to Bobath clinical practice, education, and research. The development process culminating in the model of Bobath clinical practice is described. Case description: The use of the model in clinical practice is illustrated using two cases: a client with a chronic incomplete spinal cord injury and a client with a stroke. Discussion: This article describes the clinical application of the Bobath concept in terms of the integration of posture and movement with respect to the quality of task performance, applying the Model of Bobath Clinical Practice. Facilitation, a key aspect of Bobath clinical practice, was utilised to positively affect motor control and perception in two clients with impairment-related movement problems due to neurological pathology and associated activity limitations and participation restrictions - the outcome measures used to reflect the individual clinical presentation. Implications for Rehabilitation The model of Bobath clinical practice provides a framework identifying the unique aspects of the Bobath-concept. The model of Bobath clinical practice provides the basis for a common understanding with respect to Bobath clinical practice, education, and research. The clinical application of the Bobath-concept highlights the integration of posture and movement with respect to the quality of task performance. Facilitation, a key aspect of Bobath clinical practice, positively affects motor control, and perception.

Keywords: Bobath concept; Stroke rehabilitation; clinical reasoning; model of clinical practice.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Models, Theoretical
  • Neurological Rehabilitation / methods*
  • Problem Solving
  • Spinal Cord Injuries / rehabilitation*
  • Stroke Rehabilitation / methods*