pISSN : 3058-6941 eISSN: 3058-695X
Open Access, Peer-reviewed
Jung-Woo Shim,Hye-Joo Jeon
http:dx.doi.org/10.17817/JCMSH.2025.29.1.2 Epub 7th March, 2025
Abstract
Purpose This study aimed to quantitatively evaluate the effects of Bobath therapy on balance, gait, and physical function in stroke patients through a systematic review and metaanalysis. By synthesizing evidence, this study sought to address inconsistencies in the literature and provide a clearer understanding of the clinical efficacy of Bobath therapy. Methods A systematic search was conducted in CENTRAL, CINAHL, Embase, MEDLINE, and Web of Science in November 2024. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating Bobath therapy in stroke patients were included. Data synthesis and metaanalysis were performed using RevMan 5.4, with the effect sizes calculated as standardized mean differences (SMDs) under a randomeffects model. Heterogeneity was assessed using the I² statistic and Cochrane’s Chisquared test. Results Six RCTs with a total of 246 stroke patients were included. Bobath therapy demonstrated a moderate positive effect on balance (SMD 0.59, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.04–1.15, p = 0.04, I² = 69%) and gait performance (SMD 0.56, 95% CI: 0.02–1.11, p = 0.04, I² = 52%). For physical function, a small tomoderate effect was observed (SMD 0.52, 95% CI: 0.00–1.04, p = 0.05, I² = 36%). Measures such as center of pressure (COP) and modified rankin scale (MRS) were adjusted for directionality to ensure consistency. However, the limited number of studies prevented a robust assessment of publication bias. Conclusion This metaanalysis highlights Bobath therapy's moderate effectiveness in improving balance, gait, and physical function in stroke patients but emphasizes the need for more rigorous RCTs to validate findings and evaluate longterm outcomes.
Keywords
Balance Bobath therapy Gait performance Metaanalysis Physical function Stroke rehabilitation Systematic review