Effect of intervention based on the Bobath Concept in children with Cerebral Palsy

Background: The treatment based on the Bobath Concept can improve the functionality in children with Cerebral Palsy (CP).

Aim: to demonstrate the effects of treatment based on Bobath Concept on functional tasks in the context of participation and activities of children with CP.

Method: This is a pre/post intervention assessment design, whose sample consisted of 10 children with CP, aged 8 years and 6.5 months (SD=3 years and 4 months), GMFCS levels III-V, voluntary participants who received treatment conducted by the therapists of the Bobath Course. Baseline assessments were Goal Attainment Scaling (GAS) and Segmental Trunk Control Assessment (SATCo-BR). The pre-tests of the chosen tasks by children/parents was filmed and coded by GAS. The child received five sessions of intervention, with 1 hour and 15 minutes of duration, for 2 weeks. The assessments were repeated for the post-test. A satisfaction questionnaire was applied after treatment.

Results: Eight patients achieved some degree of improvement in GAS (U=5, p<0.01). There was no difference in the total score of SATCo even though 5 patients obtained gain in relation to trunk control. The questionnaire revealed improvements in a few sessions that have repercussions on the child's daily activities and participation.

Conclusion: a short period of treatment make that all patients gained in functional tasks, and parents perceived the functional improvement of their children. The duration of treatment was not enough to show gains in body structure and function related to trunk control.