The effects of Bobath therapy on children with cerebral palsy: a systematic review.

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Abstract

Background/Aims The objective of this review was to explore whether there is scientific evidence about the validity of the Bobath concept as an effective therapy for children with cerebral palsy. Methods A search was conducted between March and December 2020, of research databases (Cochrane, PEDro, PubMed, Web of Science), selecting randomised controlled trials published since 2015, which compared Bobath therapy with other therapies in terms of their effect on the gross motor functions of children with cerebral palsy. Results Applying the eligibility criteria, four randomised controlled trials were selected, three of which found the Bobath to be more effective as a therapeutic method, while one found no difference between Bobath therapy and another therapy. No study that met the inclusion criteria found Bobath therapy to be less effective than another therapy. Conclusions: The principal limitation of this review has been the restricted number of randomised controlled trials found. Nonetheless, studies showed that therapy based on the Bobath concept improves the gross motor function of children with cerebral palsy.