Efficacy of Bobath versus orthopaedic approach on impairment and function at different motor recovery stages after stroke: a randomized controlled study.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the effectiveness of Bobath on stroke patients at different motor stages by comparing their treatment with orthopaedic treatment.


METHODS
A single-blind study, with random assignment to Bobath or orthopaedic group.


METHODS
Physical therapy department of a medical centre.


METHODS
Twenty-one patients with stroke with spasticity and 23 patients with stroke at relative recovery stages participated.


METHODS
Twenty sessions of Bobath programme or orthopaedic treatment programme given in four weeks.


METHODS
Stroke Impairment Assessment Set (SIAS), Motor Assessment Scale (MAS), Berg Balance Scale (BBS) and Stroke Impact Scale (SIS) for impairment and functional limitation level.


RESULTS
Participants with spasticity showed greater improvement in tone control (change score: 1.20 +/- 1.03 versus 0.08 +/- 0.67, p = 0.006), MAS (change score: 7.64 +/- 4.03 versus 4.00 +/- 1.95, p = 0.011), and SIS (change score: 7.30 +/- 6.24 versus 1.25 +/- 5.33, p = 0.023) after 20 sessions of Bobath treatment than with orthopaedic treatment. Participants with relative recovery receiving Bobath treatment showed greater improvement in MAS (change score: 6.14 +/- 5.55 versus 2.77 +/- 9.89, p = 0.007), BBS (change score: 19.18 +/- 15.94 versus 6.85 +/- 5.23, p = 0.015), and SIS scores (change score: 8.50 +/- 3.41 versus 3.62 +/- 4.07, p = 0.006) than those with orthopaedic treatment.


CONCLUSIONS
Bobath or orthopaedic treatment paired with spontaneous recovery resulted in improvements in impairment and functional levels for patient with stroke. Patients benefit more from the Bobath treatment in MAS and SIS scores than from the orthopaedic treatment programme regardless of their motor recovery stages.
Wang
Ray-Yau
RY
Institute & Faculty of Physical Therapy, National Yang-Ming University, 155, Sec 2, Li Nong St., Taipei, Taiwan, ROC.
Chen
Hsiu-I
HI
Chen
Chen-Yin
CY
Yang
Yea-Ru
YR
D005081:Exercise Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009128:Muscle Spasticity / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D000071939:Stroke Rehabilitation; D016896:Treatment Outcome