The effect of the Bobath therapy programme on upper limb and hand function in chronic stroke individuals with moderate to severe deficits

Abstract

Background/Aims The Bobath concept has long been used to improve postural control and limb function post-stroke, yet its effect in patients with deficits have not been clearly demonstrated. This study aimed to investigate the effect of the latest Bobath therapy programme on upper limb functions, muscle tone and sensation in chronic stroke individuals with moderate to severe deficits. Methods A pre–post test design was implemented. The participants were chronic stroke individuals (n=26). Home-based intervention based on the Bobath concept was administered 3 days per week for 6 weeks (20 repetitions × 3 sets per task each session). Outcome measures consisted of the Wolf Motor Function Test, Fugl-Meyer Assessment for the upper extremity, Modified Ashworth Scale, and the Revised Nottingham Sensory Assessment. Data were analysed using the Wilcoxon Signed rank test. Results Almost all items of the Wolf Motor Function Test and the Fugl-Meyer Assessment for the upper extremity demonstrated statistically significant differences post-intervention. Finger flexor muscle tone and stereognosis were also significantly improved. Conclusions The 6-week Bobath therapy programme could improve upper limb function and impairments in chronic stroke individuals with moderate to severe deficits. Its effects were also demonstrated in improving muscle tone and cortical sensation.

Effectiveness of Proprioceptive Body Vibration Rehabilitation on Motor Function and Activities of Daily Living in Stroke Patients with Impaired Sensory Function

“…Pumprasart et al demonstrated that CPT could improve tactile sensation (2%) and proprioception (8%) for six weeks in 26 patients with stroke when compared with pretreatment [ 13 ]. Vliet et al reported that CPT improved gross motor function (3%) and ADL (6%) for six months in 120 patients with stroke when compared with movement science therapy [ 14 ].…”

Bobath Therapy as an Early Stroke Prevention Effort

“…Bobath Therapy technique is an exercise that stimulates prioceptors to increase the need for neuromuscular mechanisms (Mikołajewska, 2017). Exercising the extremities can result in increased blood flow (Pumprasart et al, 2019) on the motor cortex and somatosensory which can cause relaxation of cerebral blood vessels (Gray & Ford, 2018) so that the incidence of stroke in residents can be controlled (Gilmour et al, 2020).…”