APPLICATION OF THE BOBATH METHOD IN THE MOTOR DEVELOPMENT OF CHILDREN WITH DOWN´S SYNDROME

  • Priscila Sotoriva Universidade Paranaense
  • Dora de Castro Agulhon Segura Universidade Paranaense
Keywords: Motor Development, Hypotone, Bobath Method, Down´s Syndrome

Abstract

Down´s syndrome is a chromosome abnormality, common in newly born children, caused by an extra chromosome on pair 21. Diagnosis may be undertaken by a cytogenic study to identify the karyotype which may be divided into three trisomy types: simple trisomy, mosaicism and translocation. People with Down´s syndrome have a highly variable phenotype with changes in different systems, such as muscle-skeleton, heart, gastrointestinal, immunologic and respiratory systems. Several characteristics comprise hypotony, low stature, ligament looseness, brachycephaly, flat face, small and short feet and hands, and others. However, congenital mental deficiency is the most prevalent characteristic, with wholesome delay in development. A typical motor backwardness is present since the children find it difficult to develop their motor functions. Physiotherapy should be done early and the Bobath method is the most adequate method. It involves postures for normal movements and inhibits the abnormal tonus so that the patient could be prepared for functional movements. Current analysis verifies the influence of the Bobath method in the motor development of children with Down´s syndrome. Results show that Bobath Method is an efficacious treatment for children with Down´s syndrome, helping them in the acquisition of functional movements for their development close to normal parameters. This was acquired due to an improvement in the muscular tonus, posture control, equilibrium, coordination, mobility and others.

Author Biographies

Priscila Sotoriva, Universidade Paranaense
Discente do curso de Fisioterapia da Universidade Paranaense – UNIPAR
Dora de Castro Agulhon Segura, Universidade Paranaense
Mestre em Engenharia de Produção pela Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina - UFSC; Docente do curso de Fisioterapia da Universidade Paranaense - UNIPAR
Published
2013-04-29
Section
Artigos de Revisão