NDT - Neuro-Developmental Treatment

Neuro-Developmental Treatment (NDT) is a method of treatment first developed by Dr. Karel Bobath and Mrs. Berta Bobath in London, England over fifty years ago. Widely practiced in Europe, the United States and around the world, it is the most effective treatment method used today in the management of adult hemiplegia (following a cerebral vascular accident - CVA - or stroke), traumatic brain injury and cerebral palsy. The following statement is from the NeuroDevelopmental Treatment Association (NDTA) of the United States.

Neuro-Developmental Treatment/Bobath is a "living concept". It is a problem solving approach which involves the treatment and management of individuals with movement dysfunction. The person is addressed as a "whole" and therefore the process is individualized and includes an interdisciplinary team.

The overall goal of treatment or management is to enhance the individual's capacity to function. In order to reach this goal it is necessary to address quality of movement by utilizing principles of movement sciences. The treatment process includes the gradual withdrawal of the direct input of the practitioner leading to increased independence.

The NDT approach is an interactive process among the involved individual, the caregivers and the practitioners. Intervention involves the process of direct handling to provide facilitation and inhibition to optimize function which includes the interaction of many systems.