clinical assessment and aim of physiothearpy of the child’s development

                                     

                                  A clinical assessment of the child’s development

Vojta therapy requires an evaluation of the medical aspects of the child’s development, before designing the appropriate treatment. 

The medical evaluation considers three areas, covering the automatic postural reactivity; the kinesiological analysis of the spontaneous motor function; and reflexology.

Automatic postural reactivity - seven to eleven tests are carried out to identify any abnormalities in reaction to sudden postural change, which would also highlight any problems associated with the automatic responses from the central nervous system, (CNS). The sequential CNS changes in these reactions are well established by the end of the first year of life, therefore, any central or peripheral anomalies, and the stage of development may be identified at this examination.

Kinesiological analysis –during normal development, spontaneous motor function accompanies specific movements, such as adjustments to orientation, balance during locomotion, or posture whilst sitting or standing. The components of locomotion become synchronised during the first year of growth and therefore, comparisons can be made to identify any possible pathological conditions.

Reflexology – pressure or taps on specific areas of the body elicit reflexes, and an evaluation of such responses will give an indication of any anomaly within the central nervous system.3

                                                  The physiotherapeutic approach 

Where a child has brain lesions, developmental delay, or other cerebral dysfunctions causing disturbances in movement or posture, the therapy is designed to enhance the development of movement sequences and treat the motor developments. 

Vojta therapy aims to : 

• modify the reflex activity by introducing a different neurological activity to give a new physical awareness, or muscular proprioception (balance) 

• modify spinal reflexes involved in co- ordinating a movement 

• improve breathing to increase efficiency of functions 

• promote growth of innate anatomical locomotor systems 

• encourage development of movement-associated neural pathways 

• prevent orthopaedic degradation in severe pathological conditions 

• delay degenerative neurological function.

In the practical application, there are two basic co-ordination complexes: 

• reflex creeping 

 • reflex rolling.