The Bobath approach to the management of children with cerebral palsy was pioneered and developed by Dr Karel and Mrs Berta Bobath in the 1940s.

The main aim of treatment is to encourage and increase the child's ability to move and function in as normal a way as possible. More normal movements cannot be obtained if the child stays in a few positions and moves in a limited or disordered way. The aim of management is to help the child to change his abnormal postures and movements so that he or she is able to comfortably adapt to the environment and develop a better quality of functional skills.

www.bobath.org.uk

For more information contact your nearest School of Physiotherapy (attached to a Technical University or Institute).

School of Physiotherapy at Auckland University of Technology:
www.aut.ac.nz/schools/rehabilitation and_occupation studies/

School of Physiotherapy at University of Otago
www.otago.ac.nz/physiotherapy
www.physiotherapy.org.nz .