2. Vojta-Therapy is a dynamic neuromuscular
treatment method based on the developmental
kinesiology and principles of reflex locomotion.
This method is supposed to treat patients with
disorders of central nervous system and
musculoskeletal system.
It was developed by child neurologist Prof. Vaclav
Vojta in the 20th century and now used
predominantly in Europe.
3. WHAT IS A REFLEX
LOCOMOTION
Reflex is an involuntary movement as a
response to external stimuli.
Locomotion is defined as an ability to
perform a movement from one place to
another.
In reflex locomotion, there is a
coordinated, rhythmic activation of the total
skeletal musculature and a CNS response at
various circuit levels.
4. INDICATION
According to Vojta, this therapy can be applied
to the patients of any age group.
It can be used as standard therapy in
physiotherapy for almost every movement
disturbance and for numerous illnesses.
Infantile postural asymmetry,
Congenital muscular torticollis (“wry neck”),
Stroke,
Cerebral palsy,
5. Indications
Lumbosciatica,
Hip dysplasia,
Respiratory distress syndrome (RDS),
Migraine,
Peripheral paralysis of the extremities (e.g.
plexus paresis, spina bifida, paraplegia,
etc.),
Various myopathies,
Problems in the breathing, swallowing and
chewing functions.
6. STIMULATING ZONES
Vojta describes 10 different zones that are
available to stimulate the motor patterns of
reflex locomotion.
A light pressure on certain stimulus zone
(muscles or bones) and resistance to the
current movement is applied to cause
patient's involuntary motor response and
performance of certain movement patterns.
8. Coordination complexes
The Vojta method can be divided into 2 main
phases:
Reflex creeping
(lying flat with the chest down and back up)
Reflex rolling
(lying flat with the chest up and back
down)
9. One principle – many
variations
Reflex locomotion is activated from the three main
positions:
prone,
supine,
side lying.
These have more than thirty variations
10. Reflex Creeping
Reflex creeping is a movement sequence that includes
the most fundamental components of locomotion:
1. Specific postural control
2. Uprighting or extension against gravity and
3. Goal-directed stepping movements of the arms and legs.
Thus, reflex creeping encompasses the basic patterns of
the human locomotion.
The main position is prone lying with the head resting
on the bed rotated to one side.
13. Reflex Creeping
The goals of reflex creeping are notably:
Activation of the muscular support and uprighting
mechanisms necessary for
supporting and grasping,
rising and walking,
as well as stepping movements of the arms and legs.
Activation of the respiratory, abdominal, and pelvic floor
musculature, as well as the sphincters of the bladder and
bowel
Swallowing (important for mastication)
Eye movements
14. Reflex Rolling
Reflex rolling transitions from supine to side lying and
leads to crawling.
Therapeutically, reflex rolling is used in different phases
of supine and side lying.
15. Reflex Rolling: Phase 1
Supine Lying
The first phase starts with supine lying, arms and legs extended.
Stimulation at intercostal space (7 & 8)
Rotation is achieved (Keeping head rotation resisted).
16. Reflex Rolling: Phase 2
Side Lying
It encompasses movement sequences that are also present
in spontaneous rolling, crawling and lateral movement.
he underlying upper arm and the underlying leg support
the body.
They move it upwards and forwards against gravity.
While doing this, muscular activation in the underlying
arm proceeds from the shoulder to the elbow and finally
to the hand, where it finds support.
The movement ends when the rolling sequence is
completed in crawling.
18. Effects of Vojta Therapy
The effect of Vojta Therapy on the patient can cover
the following areas in particular.
Skeletal Muscles:
More functional spine
Head moves freely
Helps in postural correction
Face and Mouth:
It facilitates sucking, swallowing and chewing
Independent and goal directed free eye movement
Voice clearing; louder and stronger.
Helps in speech acquisition.
19. Effects of Vojta Therapy
Respiratory Function:
The rib cage widens.
The breathing becomes deeper and more even.
The Autonomic Nervous System:
Better blood circulation to the skin.
The sleep-wake rhythm improves.
The regulating functions of the bowel and the urinary bladder are activated.
The Mind:
The patient seems more balanced, happier and is more emotionally resilient.
20. Effects of Vojta Therapy
Perception:
Equilibrium reactions are improved.
Orientation in space becomes better.
The sensations – cold, warm, sharp or dull – become stronger
or more accurate.
Own proprioception becomes more distinct.
The recognition of forms and structures exclusively through
touch (stereognosis) becomes better.
The ability to concentrate becomes more persistent and more
flexible.
21. INTERVENTION MECHANISM
The reflex locomotion elicited by Vojta therapy is
associated with specific changes in cortical and
subcortical brain.
Tactile stimulations on pre-defined zone of body
activates central nervous system.
If stimulation is given correctly and repeatedly,
motor pattern generated are learned by brain and
could be executed voluntarily by an individual.
Moreover, it can activate vegetative and autonomic
reactions such as eye coordination, jaw and tongue
movements, bowel and bladder coordination,
sucking, swallowing and breathing.
