The Bobath concept (NDT) in adult neurorehabilitation: a scoping review of conceptual literature

PurposeThis scoping review aims to describe how Bobath concept is conceptualized, operationalized, and studied in adult neurorehabilitation.MethodsThe Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) and the Preferred Reporting Items for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) guidelines were adopted. Non-scientific and research articles were searched in electronic databases PubMed, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), Scopus, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, and Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro), with the keywords "Bobath" or "Neurodevelopmental Treatment", published in English, Spanish, and Portuguese, between 2013 and 2023.ResultsOf the 78 publications identified, 31 articles addressed the conceptual underpinnings of Bobath concept (seven theoretical papers, seven Delphi/surveys/mixed methods studies, four qualitative studies, one scoping review, 10 letters to the editor, and two editorials), comprising five themes: (a) theoretical principles; (b) clinical principles; (c) clinical reasoning; (d) conceptualizing movement; and, current (e) evidence debate. The revised definition and the Model of Bobath Clinical Practice provide a clarification of the unique aspects of Bobath concept. A new clinical skill was identified beyond facilitation - visuospatial kinesthetic perception - as well as how Bobath experts conceptualize movement, which are all integral to clinical reasoning.ConclusionsThis review provides an updated Bobath clinical framework that gathers the theoretical foundations and clinical practice principles that require careful consideration in the design of future intervention studies.Implications for rehabilitationThis scoping review consolidates the clinical and theoretical principles of contemporary Bobath practice, providing a clear framework for clinicians.The Model of Bobath Clinical Practice (MBCP) framework enables detailed documentation of movement analysis and movement diagnosis, guiding clinical reasoning and interventions.This review identifies fundamental principles and practices to inform future Bobath intervention studies, ensuring their clinical relevance.A framework with specific recommendations has been developed to guide Bobath intervention studies, enhancing the integration of clinical practice, education, and research.