NDT-Bobath method in post-stroke rehabilitation in adults aged 42–55 years – Preliminary findings

IntroductionStroke is among the leading causes of death in both developed and developing countries. Although stroke is perceived predominantly as a disease of middle aged and older people, its occurrence in younger people is not rare, influencing all aspects of young people's lives, including the ability to work.AimPilot study – a single group before-and-after preliminary study to investigate the feasibility of conducting a larger randomized controlled trial investigation of the efficacy of the NDT-Bobath method with the younger adult stroke survivor population.Material and methodsPatients were admitted to the neurological rehabilitation unit after ischemic stroke. Ten sessions of the NDT-Bobath therapy were provided within 2 weeks, constituting 10 days of the therapy. The therapy was performed every day for 5 days a week. Measurements of the Ashworth Scale, the Bobath Scale, the Barthel Index, gait velocity, cadence and stride length were conducted twice: on admission, and after the last session of the rehabilitation.Results and discussionStatistically significant and favorable changes in the muscle tone, hand functions, selected activities of daily living, gait velocity, cadence and stride length have been observed.ConclusionsFindings confirm that the NDT-Bobath method for adults may be perceived as a promising form of post-stroke rehabilitation in young adults.