NDT-BOBATH

The Bobath concept is an approach to neurological physiotherapy that is applied in patient assessment and treatment. The goal of applying the Bobath concept is to promote motor learning for efficient motor control in various environments, thereby improving participation and function. 

This is done through specific patient handling skills to guide patients through initiation and completion of intended tasks. This approach to neurological physiotherapy is multidisciplinary, primarily involving physiotherapists, occupational therapists and speech and language therapists. 

The Bobath concept is also known as 'neuro-developmental treatment' (NDT).

VOJTA 

Reflex locomotion where "Reflex", in these sense does not refer to the kind of the neuronal regulation but is rather related to therapeutically applied external stimuli and their predefined and always identical, "automatically" present movement responses. 

The therapeutic use of reflex locomotion enables elementary patterns of movement in patients with impaired central nervous systems and locomotor system to be restored once more - at least in part -, i.e. they become accessible once more. In Vojta Therapy, the therapist administers goal-directed pressure to defined zones on the body. In everyone - regardless of age - such stimuli lead automatically and involuntarily, i.e. without actively willed cooperation on the part of the person concerned, to movement complexes. 

In reflex locomotion, there is a coordinated, rhythmic activation of the total skeletal musculature and a central nervous system response at various circuit levels. The motor reactions, stimulated by pressure from a defined starting position and which proceed regularly and cyclically, can already be completely stimulated and reproduced as often as desired in the new-born.

SENSORY INTEGRATION

Sensory integration is a term that has been used to describe processes in the brain that allow us to take the information we receive from our senses, organize it, and respond appropriately. The different parts of our body receive sensory information from our environment (such as our skin, eyes and ears) and send this information up to the brain. 

Our brain interprets the information it receives, compares it to other information coming in as well as to information stored in our memory and then the brain uses all of this information to help us respond to our environment. For most people, sensory processing develops in the course of ordinary childhood activities. When a person has good sensory processing skills then they are able to integrate information automatically and efficiently. But for some people, sensory processing does not develop as efficiently as it should and can affect activities of daily living, academic achievement, behaviour or social participation. Sensory integration therapy takes place on a 1:1 basis in a room with suspended equipment for varying movement and sensory experiences. 

The goal of therapy is not to teach skills, but to follow the child's lead and artfully select and modify activities according to the child's responses. The activities afford a variety of opportunities to experience tactile, vestibular, and proprioceptive input in a way that provides the "just right" challenge for the child to promote increasingly more complex adaptive responses to environmental challenges.

PNF - Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation 

Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation is a set of stretching techniques commonly used to enhance both the active and passive range of motion in order to improve motor performance and aid rehabilitation. PNF is considered an optimal stretching method when the aim is to increase range of motion, especially as regards short-term changes. PNF helps to restore normal movement by focusing on the developing sequence of movement and how the agonist and antagonist muscles work together to produce volitional movement. PNF uses reflexive movement as a basis for learning more volitional movement. 

The idea is that one must be able to roll before he can crawl and crawl before he walks. PNF focuses on mass movement patterns that are diagonal and resemble functional movement. The body does not work in parts, but instead as a whole. In order to promote these mass movement patterns, PNF uses a multi-sensory approach, incorporating the auditory, visual and tactile systems. PNF allows the patient to understand what normal movement feels like through the use of various senses through the use of manual contacts to cue the patient and facilitate movement.

Vibration Training on the Galileo platform and Hypervibe platform 

Simulation of human gait

The principle of Galileo is based on the natural movement of the human gait. Galileo's side-alternating motion is similar to a see-saw movement with variable amplitude and frequency and therefore stimulates a movement pattern similar to human gait. The rapid movement of the training platform causes a tilting movement of the pelvis, just like when walking, but much more frequently. To compensate, the body responds with rhythmic muscle contractions, alternating between the left and right side of the body. Galileo Training simulates human gait in a physiological way.

Only by this side-alternating movement during Galileo Training is the spine stimulated by a slight lateral tilt of the pelvis. The spine is not compressed as with a vertical movement on the training platforms. The physiological stimulation of the spine by the side-alternating function of Galileo allows the back and abdominal muscles to be targeted.

Galileo Training produces similar stimulus patterns used when walking, in addition to the basic muscle functions itself, the interaction between different muscle groups and their coordination is developed perfectly resulting in an increase in muscle power.

As humans, we attempt to keep the head in a steady and upright position as the balance and visual systems function optimally only when in a state of rest. Due to the design of the machine, no significant vibrations are transferred to the head during Galileo Training because the training platform only simulates human gait. The body, therefore, is able to maintain a stable torso and head.

FES

Electrostimulation

Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) is a treatment used to influence muscle activity in patients with incorrect muscle functioning. This treatment applies small electrical charges to a muscle that has become paralyzed or weakened, due to damage in the brain or spinal cord. The electrical charge stimulates the muscle to make its usual movement.

FES is used to strengthen muscles and can significantly improve the ability to carry out functional activities such as sitting, walking, or using arms, but also for better postural control (head, trunk, pelvis).