DOI: 10.36347/sjams.2020.v08i09.026

Pages: 2113-2116

Neuro Developmental Therapy (NDT) also known as Bobath concept is an effective approach for neuro-motor disturbances in Cerebral palsy. It aims for normal motor development and prevention of contractures. There are many Handling techniques which concentrate on the sensory stimuli and thereby decrease spasticity, abnormal reflexes and movements. Basic principles of Bobath concept are 1) CNS lesion is the cause of tightness or weakness in muscle in CP, 2) Children with CP have postural and movement disorders, 3) CNS lesion induced atypical movement has potential to recover. NDT primarily considers that normal postural reflex mechanism is fundamental for motor performance. It is an interactive problem-solving approach which can be applied to CNS damage for recovery irrespective of severity or age. NDT incorporates the principle of neuroplasticity. The techniques used include therapeutic handling, facilitation and activation of key control points. Key elements in NDT are Alignment, Handling and Placing. Bobath Concept is a goal-orientated and task-specific approach. It targets for organisation of the internal (proprioceptive) and external (exteroceptive) environment of CNS for efficient functioning .NDT-based therapy helps in regaining functional movements that are based on postural control and alignment. Recently NDT has been tried in various other disorders like Stroke, Injury to brain or spinal cord, Brain tumour, Dementia, Multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and Infection-related encephalitis .Early diagnosis and early intervention before establishment of abnormal movement pattern can be helpful for the CP children to lead an independent and meaningful functional life.