Comparison of Bobath Based and Movement Science Based Treatment for Stroke: a Randomised Controlled Trial

Overview

Journal J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry

Publisher BMJ Publishing Group

Specialties Neurology
Neurosurgery
Psychiatry

Date 2005 Mar 19

PMID 15774435

Citations 21

Authors

P M van Vliet

N B Lincoln

A Foxall

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Objectives: Bobath based (BB) and movement science based (MSB) physiotherapy interventions are widely used for patients after stroke. There is little evidence to suggest which is most effective. This single-blind randomised controlled trial evaluated the effect of these treatments on movement abilities and functional independence.

Methods: A total of 120 patients admitted to a stroke rehabilitation ward were randomised into two treatment groups to receive either BB or MSB treatment. Primary outcome measures were the Rivermead Motor Assessment and the Motor Assessment Scale. Secondary measures assessed functional independence, walking speed, arm function, muscle tone, and sensation. Measures were performed by a blinded assessor at baseline, and then at 1, 3, and 6 months after baseline. Analysis of serial measurements was performed to compare outcomes between the groups by calculating the area under the curve (AUC) and inserting AUC values into Mann-Whitney U tests.

Results: Comparison between groups showed no significant difference for any outcome measures. Significance values for the Rivermead Motor Assessment ranged from p = 0.23 to p = 0.97 and for the Motor Assessment Scale from p = 0.29 to p = 0.87.

Conclusions: There were no significant differences in movement abilities or functional independence between patients receiving a BB or an MSB intervention. Therefore the study did not show that one approach was more effective than the other in the treatment of stroke patients.

Citing Articles

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Xu S, Xu Y, Wen R, Wang J, Qiu Y, Chan C J Med Internet Res. 2025; 27:e66802.

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Physical rehabilitation approaches for the recovery of function and mobility following stroke.

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Effectiveness of Proprioceptive Body Vibration Rehabilitation on Motor Function and Activities of Daily Living in Stroke Patients with Impaired Sensory Function.

Yoon H, Park C Healthcare (Basel). 2024; 12(1).

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Comparing the Effectiveness of Physical Rehabilitation Interventions for Post-Stroke Function and Mobility Recovery: A Meta-Analysis.

Yang S, Kim D Brain Neurorehabil. 2023; 16(2):e17.

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Effects of High-Frequency Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Combined with Motor Learning on Motor Function and Grip Force of the Upper Limbs and Activities of Daily Living in Patients with a Subacute Stroke.

Shim J, Lee S Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2023; 20(12).

PMID: 37372680 PMC: 10297839. DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20126093.

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