EFFECTIVENESS OF THE COMBINED BOBATH CONCEPT AND MOTOR RELEARNING PROGRAM ON MOTOR RECOVERY AND SPASTICITY IN INDIVIDUALS WITH SUBACUTE STROKE: A PRE–POST INTERVENTIONAL STUDY

Abstract

Background
Stroke remains one of the leading causes of long-term disability worldwide and is a major
contributor to physical dependence and reduced quality of life. Survivors frequently
experience impaired voluntary movement, abnormal muscle tone, postural instability, and
difficulty performing functional activities. Physiotherapy plays a central role in restoring
motor function through interventions that promote neuroplasticity and functional
recovery. Among the numerous rehabilitation approaches available, the Bobath Concept
focuses on facilitating normal movement patterns and inhibiting abnormal muscle tone,
whereas the Motor Relearning Program emphasizes repetitive, task-oriented practice to
restore functional movement. Although both approaches have demonstrated clinical
benefits individually, evidence regarding their combined application in individuals with
subacute stroke remains limited.
Objective
To determine the effectiveness of a combined Bobath Concept and Motor Relearning
Program in improving motor recovery and reducing muscle spasticity among individuals
with subacute stroke.
Methods
A pre–post interventional study was conducted among sixty individuals diagnosed with
subacute stroke. Participants received a six-week rehabilitation programme incorporating
Bobath-based facilitation techniques together with Motor Relearning Program exercises.
Motor recovery was assessed using the Fugl–Meyer Score (FMS), while muscle spasticity
was evaluated using the Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS). Pre- and post-intervention
outcomes were analysed using the paired t-test.
Results
Following six weeks of intervention, the mean Fugl–Meyer Score increased significantly
from 35.7 ± 6.4 to 44.4 ± 6.2 (t=31.1, p=0.0001). The mean Modified Ashworth Scale
score decreased significantly from 2.4 ± 0.5 to 1.6 ± 0.4 (t=17.1, p=0.0001), indicating
significant improvement in motor recovery and reduction in muscle spasticity.
Conclusion
The combined Bobath Concept and Motor Relearning Program significantly improved
motor recovery while reducing muscle spasticity among individuals with subacute stroke.
The findings support the integration of facilitation techniques and task-specific training as
an effective rehabilitation strategy during the subacute stage of stroke recovery.