Open Access Journal

QUALIS

B1

2021-2024
quadriênio

Language

Revista Universitária Brasileira

e-ISSN: 2965-3215


Abstract

Non-progressive chronic encephalopathy of childhood (NPCE) is a permanent condition that impairs posture and movement, resulting from non-progressive lesions or abnormalities in the developing brain. Its causes may involve hereditary factors or events occurring during gestation, childbirth, the neonatal period, or the first two to three years of the child's life. Spastic diparesis is one of the most frequent types of this neurological condition, characterized by marked muscle weakness, difficulty in motor control, and spasticity predominantly in the lower limbs, in addition to significant impacts on gross and fine motor skills. In the field of rehabilitation, physiotherapy adopts neurodevelopmental approaches, among which the Bobath concept stands out. This technique seeks to promote functional movements through the activation of key control points, encouraging the child's active participation and meeting their specific needs. Therefore, the objective of this study was to analyze the effectiveness of the Bobath neurodevelopmental concept in children with spastic diparetic cerebral palsy, as well as its relationship with functional skills and motor coordination. This integrative literature review was conducted between February 18 and September 23, 2025, using articles available in the electronic databases MEDLINE/PubMed, LILACS/BVS, PEDro, and SciELO. The keywords used as descriptors for study selection were: Cerebral Palsy; Spastic Diparesis; Posture; Rehabilitation; Exercise Therapy; Spasticity; and Chronic Brain

Damage. Therefore, this research was an integrative literature review with a descriptive character. Following the inclusion criteria, randomized controlled trials available in full text, in both Portuguese and English, were selected. The four selected studies showed positive effects of the concept on trunk control and balance, sensory integration, motor function, and also investigated the risk of falls. Thus, it can be inferred that, with the increase in the number of therapeutic sessions, there tends to be an evolution in trunk control and postural alignment. From this, it becomes evident that physiotherapy based on the Bobath concept is an essential strategy to promote the development and autonomy of children, contributing to a better quality of life and greater independence in activities of daily living (ADLs).

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Copyright (c) 2026 Laura Cecilia de Oliveira, Luiz Gabriel , Dilson Douglas , Mabelle Gomes de Oliveira Cavalcanti