5 key principles of the Bobath concept
The Bobath concept relies on the following principles—bringing them together in a cumulative, multi-dimensional manner:
1. Functional movement analysis
First, Bobath clinicians carefully analyze task performance, considering posture, movement, and compensatory strategies. Using visual and tactile assessments, the goal is to understand how a client’s movement differs from typical motor behavior and how it can be improved.
2. Critical cues
Next, clinicians identify important cues that inform treatment—such as alignment, movement patterns, and cognitive factors. One example is observing a client losing balance when lifting an arm. These cues inform the clinical reasoning process, helping shape working hypotheses and guide interventions.
3. Clinical reasoning and movement diagnosis
Solving movement challenges requires a sophisticated understanding of motor control, biomechanics, and neuromuscular plasticity. Bobath clinicians develop a movement diagnosis by analyzing critical cues and create a personalized intervention plan that evolves with the client’s progress.
4. Skilled facilitation
Facilitation is central to the Bobath concept. This principle involves skilled, hands-on techniques to gently guide movement based on critical cues collected during assessment. In doing so, clinicians help retrain the nervous system, encouraging motor learning and recovery.
5. Recovery and potential
Most importantly, Bobath emphasizes recovery (e.g. the brain and body working together as a whole to recover) rather than seeking compensation for an injury. This method leverages the nervous system to restore natural and efficient movement patterns, in turn fostering long-term functional recovery and an improved quality of life!
Why choose a Bobath-trained rehabilitation team?
If you’re experiencing a neurological impairment, the Bobath concept offers a pathway to regain your independence and improve your quality of life.
Beyond achieving functional goals alone, Bobath is about enabling individuals to fully participate in their lives—e.g. getting back to the activities they enjoyed prior to their injury or diagnosis.
