Effectiveness of Bobath Therapy vs. Conventional Medical Gymnastics in Psycho-Social and Cognitive Status Improvement in Children with Mild Neurodevelopmental Delay: A Randomized Double-Blinded Prospective Cohort Study
2024

Comparing Bobath Therapy and Conventional Medical Gymnastics for Children with Mild Neurodevelopmental Delay

Sample size: 100 publication 10 minutes Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Djukić Koroljević Zrinka, Bulić Luka, Brenner Eva, Bračić Matea, Brlek Petar, Primorac Dragan

Primary Institution: St. Catherine Specialty Hospital, Zagreb, Croatia

Hypothesis

The study aimed to determine whether there is a difference in effectiveness between Bobath therapy and conventional medical gymnastics in improving psycho-social and cognitive status in children with mild neurodevelopmental delay.

Conclusion

The study found no significant difference in effectiveness between Bobath therapy and conventional medical gymnastics after six months of treatment.

Supporting Evidence

  • Both treatment methods showed significant improvements in psycho-social and cognitive status.
  • Statistically significant differences were noted in initial speech and socialization delays.
  • Guardians reported no significant differences in perceived effectiveness between the two therapies.

Takeaway

Both Bobath therapy and conventional gymnastics help babies with mild developmental delays, and they work about the same.

Methodology

The study was a double-blinded prospective cohort study involving 100 children diagnosed with mild neurodevelopmental delay, randomized into two groups receiving either Bobath therapy or conventional medical gymnastics.

Potential Biases

Potential bias due to the guardians' involvement in therapy execution.

Limitations

The study's limitations include reliance on guardians for therapy execution and a relatively small sample size.

Participant Demographics

Children up to three months of age, diagnosed with mild neurodevelopmental disorders, predominantly Caucasian ethnicity.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p<0.001

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.3390/biomedicines12122767

Want to read the original?

Access the complete publication on the publisher's website

View Original Publication