[The neurophysiological basis of exercise physical therapy in patients with central hemiparesis]

According to everyday experience in rehabilitation, stroke patients suffering from central hemiparesis physiotherapy is efficacious in reducing the degree of motor impairment. This paper describes the various therapeutic techniques used in the traditional physiotherapeutic concepts (Rood, Bobath, Brunnstrom, proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation, Vojta) and their basic neurophysiological mechanisms, as far as they are known today. Furthermore, the significant role of treating impaired sensation and perception for movement execution is discussed and various therapeutic concepts (traditional sensibility training, methods according to Affolter and Perfetti, forced use) are described.