Abstract

Purpose : In this case report, we demonstrated the improvement of gait ability on the child who has mental retardation with incomplete gait pattern. Methods : The subject was a 4 years old boy with mental retardation. We applied the Bobath approach to the subject. Treatments included to facilitate trunk alignment and stability, and to train weight bearing and shifting, to facilitate pelvis posterior-anterior movement, and to train walk especially stance phase and assist up-down stairs locomotion in environment similar to actual daily life. It was performed 24 sessions for 12 weeks. Results : With this treatment, he could accomplish dynamic standing stability and he could independent walk at the out door after 12 weeks. In gross motor function measure(GMFM), total motor function was improved to 85.6% from 75.7%. Conclusion : The gait ability of child with mental retardation was improved by using the bobath approach.

Keywords

• Mental retardation;
• Walking;
• Bobath approach