The Following articles have been reviewed by the research committee and are recommended as a resource for NDTA members

Articles related to research of the NDT practice model

Khanna S, Arunmozhi R, Goyal C. Neurodevelopmental Treatment in Children with Cerebral Palsy: A Review of the Literature. Cureus. 2023 Dec 12;15(12):e50389. doi: 10.7759/cureus.50389. PMID: 38213384; PMCID: PMC10783202.

Abstract

This review aimed to explore the current literature on neurodevelopmental treatment (NDT) in children with cerebral palsy (CP). It also sought to determine what outcome measures are used to analyze the effect of NDT and whether these parameters are in line with the components of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF). The studies published in the English language between 2000 and 2023 were included based on a search of the databases PEDro, PubMed, and Google Scholar. Studies that examined the effect of NDT on children with CP were included. We found a total of 54 studies describing the effect of NDT in children with CP and these were included in this literature review. NDT in children with CP was found to have positive outcomes in 41 studies, while 13 studies had contradictory conclusions. Based on our findings, NDT is widely used for the rehabilitation of children with CP globally. The parameters used to assess the improvement mostly included gross motor function, balance, and postural control. The outcome measures used in studies are usually linked to body structure and function or activities domain of the ICF model by the World Health Organization (WHO). However, there is a scarcity of studies on the effect of NDT on participation, which should be the outcome of any rehabilitation program. There is scope for future research to demonstrate the effect of NDT on the participation of children with CP. Further studies with larger sample sizes and homogenous groups are recommended.

Khan, A. K. ., Arslan , S. A., Tanveer, F. ., Jabbar, S., Ashraf, I., Anwar , A. ., Karamat, M. S. ., & khan, U. K. . (2022). Effects of Neurodevelopmental Therapy on Gross Motor Function and Postural Control in Children with Spastic Cerebral Palsy: A Randomized Controlled Trial : Neurodevelopmental Therapy in Children with Spastic Cerebral Palsy. Pakistan BioMedical Journal, 5(5), 298–304. https://doi.org/10.54393/pbmj.v5i5.418

Abstract:

Cerebral palsy (CP) is one of the most prevalent childhood-onset causes of permanent disability affecting gross motor functioning and postural control ability. Objective: To determine the effects of neurodevelopmental treatment on the gross motor function postural control among children with spastic CP. Methods:A single-blinded randomized controlled trial was carried out at Sher e Rabbani Hospital, Department of Pediatric Rehabilitation, Sheikhupura. 66 children fulfilling the inclusion criteria were recruited using the non-probability sampling technique. Participants were divided into two groups, Group A which received beuro developmental techniques along with routine physical therapy while Group B received only routine physical therapy treatment. To collect data, Gross motor function measure scale (GMFM-88) and posture and postural ability scale (PPAS) were employed as outcome measures. Results: Repeated measure ANOVA and an independent t-test were executed for parametric data after assuming normality. Pairwise comparison of both groups demonstrated that gross motor function was significantly improved from baseline to 4th, 8th, and 12th week after applying NDT treatment (p-value≤ 0.05). Pairwise comparison of both groups revealed that postural ability post NDT treatment and significant improvement was observed after 12 weeks in comparison to baseline. While within-group comparison at different follows up for gross motor function measure and postural control also expressed p≤ 0.05 as significant. Conclusions: Children with spastic CP who received Neurodevelopmental Therapy along with conventional physical therapy treatment showed significant improvements in gross motor function and postural control as compared to the control group.

Swiggum MS, Knowlton J, Powers D. Short-term and sustained effects of a three-week neuro-developmental treatment intensive: A case series report. NeuroRehabilitation. 2021;48(1):19-27. doi: 10.3233/NRE-201525. PMID: 33361615.

Abstract

Background: Neuro-Developmental Treatment (NDT) currently embraces evidence-based concepts of motor control, motor learning and neuroplasticity. However, most research has been performed on outdated models of NDT.

Objective: This case series examines the short- and long-term outcomes of a three-week intensive using contemporary NDT interventions.

Methods: Six children, 2-10 years old with neurologic disorders and Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) levels I-III participated in the intervention. The three-week intensive included 60 minutes of physical, occupational and speech therapy 3-5 times weekly.

Results: All children demonstrated Gross Motor Function Measure-66 gains of medium to large effect sizes. These gains were maintained or improved upon 3 months' post conclusion of the intensive intervention.

Conclusions: This study supports emerging research regarding the effectiveness of intensive intervention and further study of current NDT interventions.

Acar G, Ejraei N, Turkdoğan D, Enver N, Öztürk G, Aktaş G. The Effects of Neurodevelopmental Therapy on Feeding and Swallowing Activities in Children with Cerebral Palsy. Dysphagia. 2022 Aug;37(4):800-811. doi: 10.1007/s00455-021-10329-w. Epub 2021 Jun 25. PMID: 34173063.

Abstract

This study investigated the effect of the structured Neurodevelopmental Therapy Method-Bobath (NDT-B) approach on the feeding and swallowing activity of patients with cerebral palsy (CP) and feeding difficulties. In addition to feeding and oral motor intervention strategies (OMIS), and nutrition-related caregiver training (NRCT), and the NDT-B, which was structured to increase trunk and postural control, was added to the therapy program. Forty patients with CP, with a mean age of 3.25 ± 0.927 years, were classified using the Gross Motor Function Classification System, Eating and Drinking Ability Classification System, and Mini-Manual Ability Classification System. The patients were randomly assigned into two groups as OMIS + NRCT (n = 20) and OMIS + NRCT + NDT-B (n = 20). The program was applied for 6 weeks, 2 days/week, for 45 min. The patients were evaluated using the Trunk Impairment Scale, Schedule for Oral Motor Assessment, and the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory before and after 6 weeks. The trunk control of the OMIS + NRCT + NDT-B group was superior to the other group (P = 0.026). Although there was an improvement in the groups according to the subcategories of SOMA, the OMIS + NRCT + NDT-B group was superior in the trainer cup and puree subcategories of SOMA (P = 0.05). A significant correlation was observed between trunk control and oral motor functions in children with CP, and the eating function of children in the OMIS + NRCT + NDT-B group further improved. NDT-B-based neck and trunk stabilization exercises should be added to the treatment programs.