Vojta therapy and neurodevelopmental treatment in children with infantile postural asymmetry: a randomised controlled trial

Abstract

[Purpose] Physical therapy is an acknowledged and frequently applied method for infantile postural asymmetry. However, there is not yet sufficient evidence for its effectiveness. [Subjects and Methods] In a randomised controlled trial, the effect of Vojta therapy versus Neurodevelopmental treatment is assessed in infants with postural asymmetry. 65 infants with postural asymmetry were recruited. 37 infants aged six to eight weeks (mean 7.38) were found to be eligible and randomly assigned to two groups, with 19 receiving Vojta and 18 Neurodevelopmental treatment. Using a standardised and blinded video-based assessment, we documented restriction in head rotation and convexity of the spine in prone and supine position before and after therapy. A reduction of at least four points (range of scale 20 points) in postural asymmetry was regarded as a clinically relevant change. [Results] On average a four-point reduction was achieved in both groups within eight weeks. A mean difference (pre-post) between the groups of −2.96 points in favour of Vojta therapy was observed. [Conclusion] While both Neurodevelopmental treatment and Vojta are effective in the treatment of infantile postural asymmetry and comparably well applied by the parents, therapeutic effectiveness is significant greater within the Vojta group.

Marden Walker Syndrome

“…This case report, speaks in support of the importance of carrying out Vojta therapy in patients with MWS. The Vojta concept is based on early kinesiological diagnosis based on spontaneous motion and alignment, posture, and primitive reflex estimation [11]. Based on the estimation, an individual plan and program of the therapy was based on beginning of reflex, stimulation of zones and pressures in certain positions are developed to cause coordinated complexes that are otherwise created and stored in the central nervous system in a child [11].…”

“…The Vojta concept is based on early kinesiological diagnosis based on spontaneous motion and alignment, posture, and primitive reflex estimation [11]. Based on the estimation, an individual plan and program of the therapy was based on beginning of reflex, stimulation of zones and pressures in certain positions are developed to cause coordinated complexes that are otherwise created and stored in the central nervous system in a child [11]. A very important factor of the Vojta concept is in the education of family members supervised by physiotherapists, to enable the child to regularly perform therapy several times per day in order to obtain the best possible results [11].…”

Changes in kinematic parameters during walking in adults with low back pain subjected to Vojta therapy. A pilot study

“…Jung at al. [18] compared the impact of Vojta therapy with the neuro-developmental treatment (NdT) according to the Bobath approach. The more significant effect achieved after applying Vojta therapy than with NdT can be explained by more intensive muscle activation as a result of precisely directed motor reactions to the triggered reflexes.…”

The efficiency of rehabilitation for self-service eating in institutionalized children aged 2–6 years with mental and motor retardation

“…in a study on the effect of the Vojta method therapy and another neurodevelopmental therapy in children with asymmetry, Jung et al [34] presented conclusions in which both therapeutic methods were evaluated as effective, with the Vojta method bringing a better therapeutic result. Postural asymmetry was diagnosed in a paediatric examination.…”