vojta therapy

This presentation is detail about Volta therapy which is commonly used in paediatric neurological conditions and also for adults. this presentation explains what are the various techniques, methods of application of Volta therapy, indications, contraindications, etc.

1. Vojta Therapy Dr. Peteti Sairam MPT(Neuro) Assistant Professor

2. History It was developed between 1950 and 1970 by Dr. Vaclav Vojta. A neurologist born on 12th just 1917. He observed that the cerebral palsy children respond to certain stimuli in certain body positions with recurring motor reactions in the trunk and the extremities. He then migrated to Germany In the year 1968 and worked at the university orthopaedic clinic, as well as at the Munich children’s centre. He started teaching Vojta therapy in 1990.

3. Principles and Fundamentals of Vojta Therapy The reflex locomotion is achieved by applying pressure on trigger zones with body in certain position Vojta therapy does not teach or train normal movement process Vojta therapy activates natural and innate capabilities by sending stimuli to the brain Vojta therapy improves postural regulation, uprighting the body against gravity, and phasic mobility. Reflex locomotion can be activated in the patients of any age group The effects of Vojta therapy depends on the type and extend of illness Patient attendants play an integral role in administering the exercises

4. Principle of reflex locomotion The vojta therapy is based on the principle of reflex locomotion. There are few reflex points in the body that activate certain muscle groups when stimulated by applying pressure. It also regulates and increases mental activity. After through assessment of patient static position (head lifting in prone, rolling, side sitting, erect sitting, creeping, standing and walking).

5. Patient in one of the 3 basic positions (spine, side lying, prone) with specific initial angular position of the body. It initiates certain movement complexes coordination complexes (reflex creeping and reflex rolling) Apply pressure and pull in the joint, activates trigger zones and provides resistance against motion

6. Reflex creeping It is initiated in prone position and it produces a kind of creeping movement. The patient is positioned in prone lying with head slightly rotated. The upper and lower extremities on the side of head rotation are called “facial upper and facial lower extremity”. The extremities on the other side are called “ occipital upper and occipital lower extremity”. The therapist choses initial position and trigger zones according to required anticipatory movements. On stimulation, the movements occurs in crossed pattern where one side of upper extremity moves simultaneously with another side of lower extremity.

7. Effects of reflex creeping Activation of the muscular support and uprighting mechanics Activation of the respiratory, abdominal and pelvic floor muscles Activation of the sphincters of the bladder and bowel Activation of swallowing Activation of eye movements

8. Reflex Rolling Its initiated in from supine lying position and it progresses into quadrupedal gait via side lying position. Reflex rolling has 2 phase. Phase 1- the therapist positions the patient in supine lying with neck rotated and resists neck rotation with stimulation of breast zone to achieve rotation to side. Phase 2- the therapist positions the patient in side lying and stimulates various trigger zones of upper and lower extremities to achieve quadrupedal gait.

9. Indications Thought it can be applied in adults too, however VOJTA therapy is preferred to be used in children with movement disorders due to Nervous disorders Myopathies Orthopaedic conditions Other illness Dysplasia, Dislocations, Deformities, Breathing problems, Dysphagia, etc.

10. Contraindications Fever Inflammatory conditions Recent vaccination Pregnancy Osteoporosis Osteogenesis imperfecta Heart diseases

11. Thank You