[The Bobath concept]

This article presents the neurophysiological basis and principles of treatment according to the Bobath concept, which requires great, combined effort between therapists and patients. It is a concept that is difficult to acquire because it requires a thorough knowledge and deep understanding of each patient's individual problem. The theory is based on two important considerations, those of inhibition and facilitation. As a 24-hour concept, its basic principles should be known to all members of the team. Although compromises have to be made consistently on both sides, the basic principles should be applied to every patient. These are based on the view that abilities should be trained according to motor development in childhood. Therefore the patient with a CNS lesion will have the opportunity to regain as much intact body control as possible and to maintain it. He/she also should be able to achieve as much intact neuropsychological processing of perception as is possible.