The Benefits of Combining Bobath and Vojta Therapies in Infants with Motor Development Impairment-A Pilot Study

The Role of the Vojta Method in Diagnosing and Enhancing Motor Skills in Preterm Infants: A Prospective Open-Label Controlled Study

BACKGROUND The Vojta method is utilized for the early detection of abnormal psychomotor development in newborns and infants, particularly those born prematurely. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of the Vojta method in enhancing spontaneous motor skills and reducing abnormal responses in prematurely born children. MATERIAL AND METHODS This prospective, open-label controlled study included 200 children divided into 3 groups: extremely premature (≤29 weeks, n=49), very premature (30-33 weeks, n=51), and late preterm (34-37 weeks, n=50) infants. A control group consisted of 50 full-term children undergoing rehabilitation for central nervous system coordination disorders. Diagnoses were conducted using the Vojta method within the first 6 months of life, followed by reexaminations at 3 and 6 months post-diagnosis to assess rehabilitation progress. RESULTS Initial examinations revealed significant differences among groups in several reflex tests, with a higher number of abnormal reactions in infants born before 34 weeks of gestation. Follow-up examinations demonstrated statistically significant improvements in all groups, with the most notable progress observed in children born after 34 weeks. Specifically, the Vojta reflex, traction test, Peiper-Isbert vertical suspension, and Collis' suspension tests all showed significant enhancements post-rehabilitation. CONCLUSIONS The Vojta method is a valuable tool for early diagnosis and intervention to address developmental delays among preterm and full-term infants. Tailoring interventions to individual needs and integrating advanced technologies can optimize its application, enhancing motor function maturation and improving the quality of life for at-risk infants.

Effectiveness of Bobath Therapy vs. Conventional Medical Gymnastics in Psycho-Social and Cognitive Status Improvement in Children with Mild Neurodevelopmental Delay: A Randomized Double-Blinded Prospective Cohort Study

Background/Objectives: The main objective of this research was to compare the Bobath concept and conventional medical gymnastics in psycho-social and cognitive habilitation of infants with mild neurodevelopmental delay, and determine whether there is a difference in their effectiveness. Methods: The study included 100 children up to 3 months of age who were diagnosed with a mild neuromotor disorder based on clinical examination, the Münich Functional Developmental Diagnostic Test for the first year of life, and the Ages and Stages questionnaire. The respondents were randomized into two groups, habilitated according to the Bobath concept or conventional medical gymnastics. The observed parameters were problem-solving skills, communication skills, and the infants' psycho-social status. Results: The Ages and Stages questionnaire revealed no significant differences between the two concepts. The Munich Diagnostic Test revealed different starting values in speech and socialization delay, but the treatment outcomes showed significant improvement in both cohorts. There were also no significant differences in the guardians' opinions on therapeutic effectiveness. Conclusions: This study demonstrated that there is no difference in effectiveness between the two tested habilitation programs in mild neurodevelopmental delay treatment in infants after six months of therapy, laying the foundation for a professional consensus.

Factors Influencing the Duration of Rehabilitation in Infants with Torticollis-A Pilot Study

Background and Objectives: Torticollis is a common pediatric condition, with an incidence of 0.3-2.0%. Studies show that an adequate, tailored, and early treatment helps 90% to 95% of children recover before the first year of life and 97% of patients recover if treatment starts before the first six months. To identify the relationships between variables considered essential in the recovery process of infants with torticollis, we included factors such as the type of torticollis, age at onset of treatment, gender, birth weight, mode of delivery, fetal position in the uterus, the presence of craniofacial deformities, regions affected by postural asymmetries, and duration of the rehabilitation program. The hypothesis of the study is that early initiation of therapy can contribute to achieving favorable outcomes in the recovery process. Material and Methods: This retrospective cohort pilot study was conducted within a rehabilitation facility, spanning a duration of 1 year. The study involved a population of 41 children aged between 0 and 6 months. The rehabilitation program consisted of the application of Vojta therapy. Each session lasted 20 min, with a frequency of three times per week. Results: A total of 41% of those who started therapy in the first 3 months of life were fully recovered after 4-6 weeks of therapy. Of infants who started therapy at 5 and 6 months of age, 15% showed no improvement in measurements from 14 to 16 weeks of age, at which point the use of a cranial orthosis was recommended, and 23% experienced a plateau in measurements from 10 to 14 weeks, requiring the use of a cervical collar in conjunction with therapy. Conclusions: The findings from the study suggest that there may be a correlation between early initiation of therapy and favorable outcomes in the recovery process. The primary factors influencing the duration of recovery were identified as the presence of body asymmetries and the age at which therapy was initiated.

Physiotherapy Intervention on Premature Infants-A Pilot Study

Background and Objectives: Considering the fact that prematurity echoes in terms of motor development even up to the age of adolescence, through the presence of deficiencies, the importance of starting kinetotherapeutic treatment as soon as possible is highlighted, even in the absence of brain damage or obvious motor delays. Therefore, the objectives of this study are to analyze the factors that influence the level of motor development of premature babies up to 9 months and identify the motor development curve of premature babies according to the three stages of motor development: the position of symmetrical support on the elbows at 3 months, sitting with support at 6 months, and verticalization at 9 months. Materials and Methods: This prospective pilot study was conducted within a rehabilitation facility located in Targu Mureș, Romania, spanning a duration of 2 years from June 2021 to 2023. Results: The study involved a population of 78 children, all premature infants, selected from the patient pool of the rehabilitation facility, specifically chosen based on adherence to the predetermined inclusion and exclusion criteria outlined in the study protocol. Two physiotherapists specialized in child recovery were involved in the study, and one performed the assessments and the other applied the Bobath therapy. Conclusions: Early physiotherapy interventions can have a positive influence in terms of reducing differences in motor development between preterm and full-term infants. This study identified several factors that influence the motor development of premature infants. Among these, the most prominent biological factors were gestational age and birth weight.