Impact of Bobath Based Rehabilitation Program and Conventional Physiotherapy: Children with Hydrocephalus

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Abstract

Introduction. Hydrocephalus is an abnormal enlargement of the brain ventricles caused by increased amounts of cerebrospinal fluid. The aim of the study was to determine the efficacy of Bobath Based Rehabilitation Program and conventional physiotherapy for improving motor function in children with hydrocephalus and reducing levels of anxiety in parents of children with hydrocephalus.

Materials and methods. The study design was quasi experimental in nature. Twenty patients with hydrocephalus, aged below 10 years, both males and females were included as per the eligibility criteria. All parents provided their written informed consent for participations in the study. These subjects were randomly divided into two equal groups using computer generated table: group A (n = 10) and group B (n = 10). All patients were assessed for motor function using GMFM-88 scale, whereas their parents were evaluated for anxiety levels using STAI tool. Group A received Bobath Based Rehabilitation Program whereas group B received conventional physiotherapy. Both groups received interventions for a total of 8 weeks, with 1 60-minute session per week and their parents were taught an individualized program of home exercises and encouraged to practice daily. Then the subjects were re-assessed after completing 8 weeks of interventions. Statistical analysis was performed using paired t-test and unpaired t-test.

Results. Our study revealed statistically significant difference in the GMFM-88, STAI-S and STAI-T scores in group A (p = 0.032, 0.0001, 0.0001) and group B (p = 0.0001, 0.001, 0.003), respectively.

Discussion. These two interventions have their benefits in improving gross motor function in children with hydrocephalus. These interventions can indeed be customized to address specific needs of children with hydrocephalus, such as muscle weakness, impaired coordination, and balance issues. This personalized approach optimizes the intervention effectiveness directly targeting the areas of difficulty experienced by each child. Moreover, these therapeutic approaches engage mechanisms of neuroplasticity through repetitive and task-specific exercises. Training general physiotherapists to deliver both therapies efficiently could maximize access to rehabilitation services in areas with inadequate healthcare infrastructure.

Conclusion. Bobath Based Rehabilitation Program and conventional physiotherapy are effective interventions for improving motor function in children with hydrocephalus and in reducing levels of anxiety in their parents.

About the authors

Tanpreet Kaur Bakshi

Baba Farid University of Health Sciences

Author for correspondence.
Email: tanpreetbakshi1010@gmail.com
ORCID iD: 0009-0002-1244-1252

student, University College of Physiotherapy

India, 151203, Faridkot, Punjab

Jaspreet Singh Vij

Baba Farid University of Health Sciences

Email: tanpreetbakshi1010@gmail.com
ORCID iD: 0009-0006-8445-4449

PhD (Med), Associate Professor, University College of Physiotherapy

India, 151203, Faridkot, Punjab

Ashish Chhabra

Guru Gobind Singh Medical College and Hospital

Email: tanpreetbakshi1010@gmail.com
ORCID iD: 0000-0002-0406-3389

MS (General Surgery), MCh (Peds Surgery), Associate Professor, (Peds Surgery)

India, Faridkot, Punjab

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