What is NDT?
Neuro-developmental therapy (NDT) is therapetic
approach to the assessment and management
dysfunction in people with neurological impairments.
The ultimate goal of treatment and management is to
maximise the persons functional ability. The concept
was first developed by DR and Mrs Bobath on the
1940's and has been used by therapists worldwide.
Although the basic concept has not changed, the
concept has evolved as current theories have been
developed.
The name combines:
"Neuro" - meaning brain
and nerves.
"Developmental" -
emphasising the importance of understanding the
normal movement patterns necessary for the
achievement of functional motor skills.
NDT is
based on a thorough understanding of normal
movements and its variations. It is:
-
a problem solving strategy and clinical
reasoning process;
-
a therapeutic handling strategy responsive to
changing needs of the individual;
-
a base to combine with other treatment
modalities;
-
a holistic approach addressing all aspects of an
individual's living skills;
-
a comprehensive approach and considers the
individual as a whole (emotionally, cognitively
and physically);
-
a living concept evolving with current
scientific knowledge and theories;
When can you use the NDT approach?
Therapists' trained in NDT believe that early
treatment is preferable and leads to the best
therapeutic outcome. Once a neuro-motor condition
(either acquired or congenital) is identified, goals
are established by the individual, family,
therapists and other members of the management team.
How does therapist become trained?
Physiotherapists, Occupational Therapists, Speech
Pathologists and Medical Practitioners become
trained by successfully completing a comprehensive
didactic course with supervised clinical treatment.
The Australian Bobath Neurodevelopmental Therapy
Association offers a pediatric course in the NDT
management of children with cerebral palsy and
allied conditions over 8 weeks (360 hours).
Where can I find a trained NDT
therapist?
To locate an NDT trained professional or to learn
about NDT please contact:
Australian Bobath Neuro-Developmental Therapy
Association ( ABNDTA ), A0028064N.
P.O. Box 2240, New Farm 4005, QLD
Email:
abndta@yahoo.com
How does NDT Work?
The therapist analyses the motor, sensory and cognitive
impairments that impact on the achievement of functional
skill development.
There is an emphasis on therapeutic handling which
focuses on making desired movements more possible and
while preventing undesired movements. Undesired
movements are prevented because they can produce
secondary problems which in the long term reduce the
functional potential.
Treatment incorporates sensory input to produce a
desires motor response.
Family members and other caregivers receive education in
NDT principles to maximise quality of movements and
carryover of functional skills into a range of
environments including home, pre-school, school and
community.
NDT aims to promote active, efficient, automatic
movements during functional activity.
Who can benefit from NDT?
The approach was initially developed for individuals
with cerebral palsy and adults with hemiplegic stroke.
However, NDT has been effectively used for a variety of
diagnoses including:
- Acquired brain injury;
- Down Syndrome;
- Genetic Conditions;
- Developmental Delay;
- Cerebral Palsy;
- Spina Bifida;