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Neurodevelopmental Treatment (Bobath) for Children With Cerebral Palsy: A Systematic Review

Márcia Andréa Zanon1, Rafael Leite Pacheco2,3, Carolina de Oliveira Cruz Latorraca3,4

  • 11 Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health Program, Universidade Estadual de Ciências da Saúde de Alagoas, Alagoas (AL), Brazil.

Journal of Child Neurology
|June 11, 2019
PubMed

Insights

The effects of neurodevelopmental treatment for children with cerebral palsy remain uncertain. Current evidence does not support its routine use, and more research is needed to confirm efficacy and safety.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Rehabilitation
  • Neurology
  • Physical Therapy

Background:

  • Cerebral palsy (CP) is a group of disorders affecting movement and posture, impacting children's development.
  • Neurodevelopmental treatment (NDT) is a common approach used in pediatric physical therapy for children with CP.
  • The efficacy of NDT compared to conventional physical therapy requires rigorous evaluation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To systematically review randomized clinical trials (RCTs) comparing neurodevelopmental treatment (NDT) with conventional physical therapy (PT) for children with cerebral palsy.
  • To assess the effects of NDT on gross motor function in children with CP.

Main Methods:

  • A systematic review was conducted following Cochrane Handbook and PRISMA Statement guidelines.
  • Included were RCTs comparing NDT to conventional PT in children with CP.
  • Risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool, and evidence certainty was evaluated using the GRADE approach.

Main Results:

  • Three RCTs (2 published, 1 ongoing) involving 66 children were included.
  • Published RCTs had methodological and reporting limitations.
  • No significant difference was found in gross motor function between NDT and conventional PT (low certainty evidence).

Conclusions:

  • The effects of neurodevelopmental treatment for children with cerebral palsy are currently uncertain.
  • Further high-quality studies are necessary to establish the efficacy and safety of NDT.
  • Current evidence does not support the routine implementation of NDT in clinical practice for CP.
Abstract

Keywords:
Bobathcerebral palsyevidence-based medicineneurodevelopmental treatmentreview

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