Slagle Annotation

1. Running head: ANNOTATION OF AN ARTICLE
1
Annotation of an Article by Berta Bobath
Stacy Sellner
Texas Woman’s University

2. ANNOTATION OF AN ARTICLE 2
In the article written by Berta Bobath entitled, “The Importance of the Reduction of
Muscle Tone and the Control of Mass Reflex Action in the Treatment of Spasticity” she speaks
in length about her techniques which in her practice has been shown as effective. The main
condition that she treats is spasticity in people with hemiplegias and diplegias although she has
noted that it can be used in other conditions in which spasticity is an issue (Bobath, 1948, p.
371). In her treatments, the client learns to relax to help to control the spasticity and modifying
the reflex pattern (Bobath, 1948, p. 371). She warns that other treatments which focus on
strengthening muscles works against this treatment by increasing muscle tone which is the
opposite effect that her treatment is set to achieve (Bobath, 1948, p. 372). One of her techniques
is to perform passive movements without triggering rigidity; successful attempts at this will lead
to an increased ability to use this muscle successfully (Bobath, 1948, p. 373). This technique
needs to be practiced frequently and with persistence; if spasticity kicks in while passively
moving the joint, the progress will start back with square one (Bobath, 1948, p. 373). This
method requires a lot of skill and knowledge of spasticity from the therapist as to know when to
start and stop movements to decrease muscle tone and hopefully provide greater functional range
of motion (Bobath, 1948, p. 378). This method is still in use today at the Bobath Centre which
speaks in volume to what Mrs. Bobath has contributed to the field of occupational therapy
(Bobath Centre, n.d.). An article written in 2013 by Milton and Logothetis showed current use of
the Bobath’s treatment although there is a lack of evidence based practice with this method (p.
453). I have learned that although occupational therapy has been alive and well for almost a
century there has been a lot of sway between being medically or holistically based and OT has
tried to reach a middle ground. I believe with increased research, the idea of what OT is will
become clearer and more defined than it has ever been.

3. ANNOTATION OF AN ARTICLE 3
References
Bobath, B. (1948). The importance of the reduction of muscle tone and the control of mass reflex
action in the treatment of spasticity. Occupational Therapy and Rehabilitation. 27(5),
371-383. https://twu.illiad.oclc.org/illiad/illiad.dll?Action=10&Form=75&Value=135356
Bobath Centre. (n.d). Retrieved September 28, 2014, from http://www.bobaththerapy.org.uk/
Milton, Y., Logothetis, A. (2013). An occupational therapy practice initiative using the Bobath
Concept: a collaborative partnership with higher education. British Journal of
Occupational Therapy, 76(10), 452–455.
http://ezproxy.twu.edu:2079/10.4276/030802213X13807217284224