Changes in motor development in infants participating in rehabilitation based on Vojta method

Ewelina Czenczek-Lewandowska
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Łukasz Przygoda
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Izabela Szklarska-Witek
Anna Bejster
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Ludwika Sadowska
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Institute of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Rzeszow, Rzeszow, Poland
Institute of Physiotherapy, Medical Faculty, University of Rzeszow, Rzeszów, Poland
Institute of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Rzeszow, Rzeszow, Poland
Institute of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Rzeszow, Rzeszow, Poland
Institute of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Rzeszow, Rzeszow, Poland
Received: 10 June 2016 / Accepted: 15 September 2016 / Published: 1 October 2016

Abstract

Introduction: Vojta therapy is designed to foster beneficial change in neurophysiology of children at risk of developmental disorders. Because of its specific diagnostic and therapeutic aspects it is possible to use the method in early therapy supporting development.

Purpose: Assessment of changes in motor development of infants, classified in the risk group and receiving treatment based on Vojta method. Identifying relationship between therapy effects and age at the start as well as duration of therapy.

Material and method: The study was performed in a group of 62 infants, including 46 who at the time of the study were less than 6 months old (group I), and 16 who were less than 12 months old (group II). The inclusion criteria were: age below 1 year, existing motor development deficits, risk factors in pregnancy and during childbirth, and participation in rehabilitation based on Vojta therapy, as a leading method. The study was carried out with the use of child health cards and assessment tool developed by G. Banaszek.

Results: After 6 months of therapy, 73% of the infants with motor development deficits improved significantly, while out of 60% of the children with abnormal postural reactions, only 16% showed no improvement. Better progress was achieved by the children who started rehabilitation before 6 months of age.

Conclusion: Effectiveness of children’s rehabilitation depends on therapy duration and the age at which the treatment starts.

 

Cite

Czenczek-Lewandowska E, Przygoda Ł, Szklarska-Witek I, Bejster A, Sadowska L. Changes in motor development in infants participating in rehabilitation based on Vojta method. Medical Review 2016; 14 (3): 266–277. doi: 10.15584/ medrev.2016.3.2

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