Defining the Bobath concept using the Delphi technique

Background and Purpose . The Bobath concept, based on the work of Berta and Karel Bobath, offers therapists working in the field of neurological rehabilitation a framework for their clinical interventions. It is the most commonly used approach in the UK. Although they recognize that over the last half‐century the concept has undergone considerable developments, proponents of the Bobath concept have been criticized for not publishing these changes. The aim of the present study was to use the Delphi technique to enable experts in the field to define the current Bobath concept. Method . A four‐round Delphi study design was used. The sample included all members of the British Bobath Tutor's Association, who are considered experts in the field. Initial statements were identified from the literature, with respondents generating additional statements during the study. The level of agreement was determined using a five‐point Likert scale. The respondents were then provided with feedback on group opinions and given an opportunity to re‐rate each statement. The level of group consensus was set at 80%. Results . Fifteen experts took part. The response rate was 85% in the first round, and 93% in each subsequent round. Ten statements from the literature were rated with a further 12 generated by the experts. Thirteen statements achieved consensus for agreement and seven for disagreement. Conclusions . The Delphi study was an effective research tool, maintaining anonymity of responses and exploring expert opinions on the Bobath concept. The experts stated that Bobath's work has been misunderstood if it is considered as the inhibition of spasticity and the facilitation of normal movement, as described in some literature. They agreed that the Bobath concept was developed by the Bobaths as a living concept, understanding that as therapists' knowledge base grows their view of treatment broadens. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Physiotherapy based on the Bobath concept in stroke rehabilitation: a survey within the UK

Purpose: The Bobath concept is one of the most widely used approaches in stroke rehabilitation within Europe. This survey aimed to provide an expert consensus view of the theoretical beliefs underlying current Bobath practise in the UK. Method: Questionnaires (with sections related to: therapist background, physiotherapy management, theoretical beliefs and gait re-education strategies used) were posted to all senior level physiotherapists working in stroke care (n = 1022). Results: The majority of respondents had more than 10 year's experience overall and at least 5 years experience in stroke care. The Bobath concept was the preferred approach (n = 67%) followed by an 'eclectic' approach (n = 31%). Despite a high level of consensus between groups, there were 13 significant differences highlighted between Bobath and 'eclectic' groups related to recovery, control of tone, the analysis and facilitation of normal movement and function. In summary, Bobath therapists considered that patients needed to have normal tone and use normal movement patterns in order to perform functional tasks. They would delay patients from performing tasks independently if abnormal tone and movement would be reinforced by task practice. They were not opposed to the use of walking aids and orthotics. Conclusions: This survey has raised several issues for debate within physiotherapy such as the automatic translation of movement into function, carry over outside therapy, and the way in which tasks should be practiced. The dominance of the Bobath concept needs to be justified by establishing that it is both effective and efficient at achieving its treatment aims of: normalizing tone, improving intrinsic recovery of the affected side and function within everyday tasks.     

The Bobath (NDT) concept in adult neurological rehabilitation: what is the state of the knowledge? A scoping review. Part I: conceptual perspectives

Abstract

Objective: The study’s purpose was to describe the range of knowledge pertaining to the Bobath concept/NDT in adult neurological rehabilitation, synthesize the findings, identify knowledge gaps and develop empirically based recommendations for future research. This article explores the conceptual literature. Methods: A scoping review of research and non-research articles published from 2007 to 2012. Two independent reviewers selected studies based on a systematic procedure. Inclusion criteria for studies were: electronically accessible English language literature with Bobath and/or neurodevelopmental therapy (NDT) as the subject heading in the title/keyword/abstract/intervention comparison with respect to adult neurological conditions. Data were abstracted and summarized with respect to study purpose, defining and operationalizing the Bobath concept, therapist demographics, recruitment, discussion and conclusions. Results: Of the 33 publications identified, 14 publications sought to define the theoretical foundations and identify key aspects of clinical practice of the contemporary Bobath concept. The publications comprised three theoretical papers, four surveys, a Delphi reported through two papers, one qualitative study, three letters to the editor and one editorial. Conclusions: Knowledge derived from review of the conceptual literature provides clinicians with an updated Bobath clinical framework as well as identifying aspects of Bobath clinical practice that require careful consideration in future effectiveness studies.

• Implications for Rehabilitation

• The integration of posture and movement with respect to the quality of task performance remains a cornerstone of the redefined Bobath concept.

• A key fundamental principle of the clinical application of the Bobath concept since its inception is the selective manipulation of sensory information, namely, facilitation, to positively affect motor control and perception in persons post-central nervous system lesion. This is an aspect of Bobath clinical practice that requires further investigation.

• Study and treatment fidelity issues such as therapist expertise, the use of treatment logs to document individualized clinical practice, as well as therapist supervision and evaluation require careful consideration in the implementation of Bobath effectiveness studies such that causality can be determined.

     

Physiotherapy based on the Bobath concept in stroke rehabilitation: a survey within the UK

Purpose : The Bobath concept is one of the most widely used approaches in stroke rehabilitation within Europe. This survey aimed to provide an expert consensus view of the theoretical beliefs underlying current Bobath practise in the UK. Method : Questionnaires (with sections related to: therapist background, physiotherapy management, theoretical beliefs and gait re-education strategies used) were posted to all senior level physiotherapists working in stroke care ( n = 1022). Results : The majority of respondents had more than 10 year's experience overall and at least 5 years experience in stroke care. The Bobath concept was the preferred approach ( n = 67%) followed by an 'eclectic' approach ( n = 31%). Despite a high level of consensus between groups, there were 13 significant differences highlighted between Bobath and 'eclectic' groups related to recovery, control of tone, the analysis and facilitation of normal movement and function. In summary, Bobath therapists considered that patients needed to have normal tone and use normal movement patterns in order to perform functional tasks. They would delay patients from performing tasks independently if abnormal tone and movement would be reinforced by task practice. They were not opposed to the use of walking aids and orthotics. Conclusions : This survey has raised several issues for debate within physiotherapy such as the automatic translation of movement into function, carry over outside therapy, and the way in which tasks should be practiced. The dominance of the Bobath concept needs to be justified by establishing that it is both effective and efficient at achieving its treatment aims of: normalizing tone, improving intrinsic recovery of the affected side and function within everyday tasks.     

The Bobath (NDT) concept in adult neurological rehabilitation: what is the state of the knowledge? A scoping review. Part II: intervention studies perspectives

Abstract

Objective: The study’s purpose was to describe the range of knowledge pertaining to the Bobath (NDT) concept in adult neurological rehabilitation, synthesizes the findings, identify knowledge gaps and develop empirically based recommendations for future research. Methods: A scoping review of research and non-research articles published from 2007 to 2012. Two independent reviewers selected studies based on a systematic procedure. Inclusion criteria for studies were electronically accessible English language literature with Bobath and/or Neurodevelopmental Therapy as the subject heading in the title/keyword/abstract/intervention comparison with respect to adult neurological conditions. Data were abstracted and summarized with respect to study design, theoretical framework, clinical application including population representation, study fidelity, intervention comparison, duration of care, measurement and findings. Results: Of the 33 publications identified 17 were intervention studies (11 RCT’s/1 prospective parallel group design/5?N-of-1). One other paper was a systematic review. Conclusions: The intervention studies, primarily RCT designs, have serious methodological concerns particularly related to study/treatment fidelity and measurement resulting in no clear clinical direction. Aspects such as theoretical framework, therapist skill, quality of movement measurement and individualized interventions require careful consideration in the design of Bobath studies.

• Implications for Rehabilitation

• Future intervention studies should be based on the current Bobath theoretical framework and key aspects of clinical practice.

• Study and treatment fidelity issues need to be carefully considered when interpreting the results of existing RCT’s evaluating the Bobath concept.

• N-of-1 randomized, observational, factorial and mixed method study designs should be considered as alternative study options.

     

Bobath观念理论假说与临床实践 神经组织修复重构及功能重建的治疗依据

目的:总结Bobath观念、Bobath观念理论假说、以及在临床实践上的新观点等方面的最新研究成果,为Bobath成为神经组织修复及功能重建治疗中一种重要治疗方法提供依据.方法:以计算机检索方法检索Highwire press、Pubmed数据库关于Bobath治疗脑卒中的相关文献,检索词为"Bobath观念,脑卒中,物理治疗".纳入标准:①Bobath观念及其理论假说相关文献.②Bobath观念临床实践新观点相关文献.排除标准:重复性研究.检索后对每项研究的资料结果进行提取、分析.结果:Bobath观念的基本原理是随着现代运动控制理论、运动学习和神经可塑性及生物力学的理论知识发展而不断进步.最新的理论观点来自于国际Bobath教师培训协会(lBITA)和英国Bobath教师协会(BBTA),他们从参与、活动和病损之间联系、行为和运动控制、神经损伤和功能障碍的后果、神经和肌肉可塑性、运动学习等方面对Bobath观念进行论述.还探讨了临床实践中遇到的几个重要问题的新观念.结论:Bobath作为传统治疗脑卒中神经组织修复重构及功能重建治疗过程重的康复方法,其本身也在不断地吸收当前神经科学和心理学等学科研究成果,与其他治疗方法相互融合,促进了神经康复医学的发展.     

Defining a Bobath clinical framework – A modified e-Delphi study

Objective: To gain consensus within the expert International Bobath Instructors Training Association (IBITA) on a Bobath clinical framework on which future efficacy studies can be based. Methods: A three-round modified e-Delphi approach was used with 204 full members of the IBITA. Twenty-one initial statements were generated from the literature. Consensus was defined a priori as at least 80% of the respondents with a level of agreement on a Likert scale of 4 or 5. The Delphi questionnaire for each round was available online for two weeks. Summary reports and subsequent questionnaires were posted within four weeks. Results: Ninety-four IBITA members responded, forming the Delphi panel, of which 68 and 66 responded to Rounds Two and Three, respectively. The 21 initial statements were revised to 17 statements and five new statements in Round Two in which eight statements were accepted and two statements were eliminated. Round Three presented 12 revised statements, all reaching consensus. Conclusion: The Delphi was successful in gaining consensus on a Bobath clinical framework in a geographically diverse expert association, identifying the unique components of Bobath clinical practice. Discussion throughout all three Rounds revolved primarily around the terminology of atypical and compensatory motor behavior and balance.     

Outcomes of the Bobath concept on upper limb recovery following stroke

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effectiveness of the Bobath concept at reducing upper limb impairments, activity limitations and participation restrictions after stroke. METHODS: Electronic databases were searched to identify relevant trials published between 1966 and 2003. Two reviewers independently assessed articles for the following inclusion criteria: population of adults with upper limb disability after stroke; stated use of the Bobath concept aimed at improving upper limb disability in isolation from other approaches; outcomes reflecting changes in upper limb impairment, activity limitation or participation restriction. RESULTS: Of the 688 articles initially identified, eight met the inclusion criteria. Five were randomized controlled trials, one used a single-group crossover design and two were single-case design studies. Five studies measured impairments including shoulder pain, tone, muscle strength and motor control. The Bobath concept was found to reduce shoulder pain better than cryotherapy, and to reduce tone compared to no intervention and compared to proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF). However, no difference was detected for changes in tone between the Bobath concept and a functional approach. Differences did not reach significance for measures of muscle strength and motor control. Six studies measured activity limitations, none of these found the Bobath concept was superior to other therapy approaches. Two studies measured changes in participation restriction and both found equivocal results. CONCLUSIONS: Comparisons of the Bobath concept with other approaches do not demonstrate superiority of one approach over the other at improving upper limb impairment, activity or participation. However, study limitations relating to methodological quality, the outcome measures used and contextual factors investigated limit the ability to draw conclusions. Future research should use sensitive upper limb measures, trained Bobath therapists and homogeneous samples to identify the influence of patient factors on the response to therapy approaches.     

Physiotherapy practice in stroke rehabilitation: a survey

Objective : This survey aimed to provide an expert consensus view of the theoretical beliefs underlying physiotherapy practice in stroke rehabilitation the United Kingdom.

Method : Questionnaires (with sections related to: therapist background, physiotherapy management, theoretical beliefs and gait re-education strategies used) were posted to all senior level physiotherapists working in stroke care ( n =1022).

Results : The majority of respondents had more than 10 years experience overall, and at least 5 years experience in stroke care. The Bobath concept was the preferred approach ( n =67%) followed by an 'eclectic' approach ( n =31%). This survey identified four theoretical themes underlying current practice in neurological physiotherapy: the promotion of normal movement, the control of tone, the promotion of function, and the recovery of movement with optimization of compensation.

Conclusions : A consensus was obtained on 16 theoretical beliefs; however the evidence base underlying these beliefs remains sparse. Many of these beliefs require further debate within the physiotherapy profession such as the amount of time spent on preparation for function, the automatic translation of movement into function, carry over outside therapy, and the way in which tasks should be practised.     

Barriers to client-centredness and their resolution

This research sought to determine which therapist barriers prevent client-centred practice the most, and which methods are perceived as being most effective in resolving therapist barriers. A list of barriers that therapists bring to client-centred practice and methods to resolve these was identified from the literature and formed the basis of a questionnaire sent to 60 occupational therapists in the United Kingdom. The results showed that the therapist and client having different goals was the barrier which most prevented client-centred practice. The high ratings of other statements suggested that the values, beliefs and attitudes of therapists and of the employment culture make client-centred practice uncomfortable to use and hence prevent its implementation. Case examples showing how to practice in a client-centred fashion were rated as the most effective method of barrier removal.     

Independence as a practice issue in occupational therapy: the safety clause.

This article reports findings from interviews that explored the meanings occupational therapists attach to independence as a value and a therapeutic goal in interactions with elderly clients. Through a historical review of the literature, we trace the changing use of this term and identify two analytically distinct concepts associated with it: independence as self-reliance in activity and independence as autonomy, self-determination, or choice. We show how the latter has emerged in contemporary service contexts to represent an ideal of client-centered practice for persons with chronic disabilities, such as frail elderly clients. Using a "critical incident" interview approach with 12 Australian occupational therapists, we identified the therapists' explicit and implicit understandings of independence as a value concept and practice issue. Our findings suggest that a mismatch often exists between idealized and practice-based talk about independence and that therapists narrativize this opposition around what we call "the safety clause." That is, therapists invoke concerns about safety and duty of care as a caveat to implementing their independence ideals and justifying the retention of professional control. We identify key issues that therapists need to address if the rhetoric of independence-related client-centered practice is to be achieved in reality.     

What is Bobath? A survey of UK stroke physiotherapists' perceptions of the content of the Bobath concept to treat postural control and mobility problems after stroke

Objective.?The aim of this study was to identify which interventions used to treat postural control and mobility are considered part of the Bobath concept (BC).

Design.?Hospital-based UK stroke physiotherapists identified interventions which they perceived to be part of the BC from a pre-published list of interventions used to treat postural control and mobility problems. Interventions that >75% of participants felt were part of the BC were classified as ‘definitely Bobath’. Interventions that <25% felt were part of the BC were classified as ‘definitely not Bobath’. Other interventions were classified as ‘unsure’; those indentified by 50–74% of participants as part of the BC were classified as ‘probably Bobath’ and those indentified 26–49% were classified as ‘probably not Bobath’.

Results.?Seventy-four physiotherapists from 33 hospitals participated. Facilitation, mobilizations and practicing components of activities were most strongly associated with the BC. Exercise and the use of equipment were identified as ‘not’ or ‘probably not Bobath’. There was uncertainty about practicing activities, teaching patients and carers and arranging independent practice.

Conclusions.?UK stroke physiotherapists perceive that the BC involves interventions that focus on facilitating movement, mobilization, practicing components of activities and some whole activities. Their views about what is not part of the BC and the areas where they are uncertain contrast with British and international teachers of the BC. Consequently, it was not possible to define a ‘typical package’ of treatment for postural control and mobility that represents the BC. Future research into the BC should focus on the effectiveness of specific, well-defined interventions.     

Practice management skills for the nurse practitioner.

The faculties of three schools of nursing involved in a collaborative family nurse practitioner (FNP) program designed a study to address issues involved in preparing the nurse practitioner for the challenges of practice management in the clinical environment. The purposes of the study were to (1) identify business concepts necessary to successfully manage a primary care practice; (2) determine which of these concepts should be incorporated into an FNP curriculum; and (3) clarify information to be taught regarding each identified concept. Fifty-four business concepts related to primary care were identified from a literature review. A survey was then developed to assess the extent to which the identified concepts were necessary for an FNP to effectively manage a practice. Seven experts and five FNP faculty responded to the survey. The Content Validity Index (CVI) defined by Lynn (1986) was applied and 20 concepts necessary for an FNP to effectively manage a practice were identified. A focus group that included nurse practitioners (both faculty and nonfaculty) from the three collaborative sites connected by interactive telecommunications determined that all 20 of the identified concepts should be included in an FNP curriculum. Additionally, the focus group clarified relevant information to be taught regarding each identified concept.