VOJTA APPROACH
Vojta-Therapy is a dynamic neuromuscular
treatment method based on the developmental
kinesiology and principles of reflex locomotion.
This method is supposed to treat patients with
disorders of central nervous system and
musculoskeletal system.
It was developed by child neurologist Prof.
Vaclav vojta in the 20th century and now used
predominantly in Europe.
What is a reflex locomotion
Reflex is an involuntary movement as a
response to external stimuli.
Locomotion is defined as an ability to
perform a movement from one place to
another.
In reflex locomotion, there is a coordinated,
rhythmic activation of the total skeletal
musculature and a CNS response at various
circuit levels.
Indication
According to vojta, this therapy can be
applied to the patients of any age group.
It can be used as standard therapy in
physiotherapy for almost every movement
disturbance and for numerous illnesses.
Infantile postural asymmetry.
Congenital muscular torticollis (“wry neck”)
Stroke
Cerebral palsy
Indications
Various myopathies
Migraine
Hip dysplasia
Lumbosciatica
Respiratory distress syndrome (RDS)
Peripheral paralysis of the extremities (eg.
Plexus paresis, spina bifida, paraplegia, etc.)
Problems in the breathing, swallowing and
chewing functions.
Stimulating zones
Vojta describes 10 different zones that are
available to stimulate the motor patterns of
reflex locomotion.
A light pressure on certain stimulus zone
(muscles or bones) and resistance to the
current movement is applied to cause
patients involuntary motor response and
performance of certain movement patterns.
Stimulating zones
Breast zone (7th -8th intercostal space, below
Supine
the nipple)
1. Trunk area
2. Acromian process of scapula
3. Medial epicondyle of humerus
Prone
4. Radial styloid process
5. Aponeurosis of gluteus medius
6. Medial epicondyle of femur
7. Lateral process of calcaneus
1. ASIS
Side lying
2 Medial scapular area
Coordination complexes
The vojta method can be
REFLEX LOCOMOTION
divided into 2 main
phases:
Reflex creeping
Reflex creeping
lying flat with the chest
down and back up.
Reflex rolling
Reflex rolling
Lying flat with the chest up
and back down.
Reflex Creeping
Reflex creeping is a movement sequence that includes
the most fundamental components of locomotion:
1. Specific postural control
2. Uprighting or extension against gravity and
3. Goal directed stepping movements of the arms and
legs.
Thus, reflex creeping encompasses the basic
patterns of the human locomotion.
The main position is prone lying with the head
resting on the bed rotated to one side.
Reflex creeping
The goal of reflex creeping are notably:
Activation of the muscular support and uprighting
mechanism necessary for
Supporting and grasping
Rising and walking
As well as stepping movements of the arms and legs.
Activation of the respiratory, abdominal, and pelvic floor
musculature, as well as the spincters of the bladder and
bowel.
Swallowing
Eye movements
Reflex rolling
Reflex rolling transitions from supine to side
lying and leads to crawling.
Therapeutically, reflex rolling is used in
different phases of supine and side lying.
Reflex rolling: phase 1
Supine lying
the first phase starts with supine lying, arms
and legs extended.
Stimulation at intercoastal space(7&8)
Rotation is achieved (keeping head rotation
resisted).
Reflex rolling: phase 2
Side lying
It encompasses movement sequences that are also
present in spontaneous rolling, crawling and lateral
movement.
The underlying upper arm and the underlying leg support
the body.
They move it upwards and forwards against gravity.
While doing this, muscular activation in the underlying
arm proceeds from the shoulder to the elbow and finally
to the hand, where it finds support.
The movement ends when the rolling sequence is
completed in crawling.
Effects of vojta therapy
The effect of vojta therapy on the patient can cover the
following areas in particular:
Skeletal muscles :
More functional spine
Head moves freely
Helps in postural correction
Face and mouth:
It facilitates sucking, swallowing and chewing
Independent and goal directed free eye movement
Voice clearing: louder and stronger
Helps in speech acquisition
Effects of vojta therapy
Respiratory function :
The rib cage widens.
The breathing becomes deeper and more even.
Autonomic nervous system
Better blood circulation to the skin.
The sleep-wake rhythm improves.
The regulating functions of the bowel and the urinary
bladder are activated.
The mind
The patient seems more balanced, happier and more
emotionally resilient.
Effects of Vojta Therapy
Perception
Equilibrium reactions are improved.
Orientation in space becomes better.
The sensations- cold, warm, sharp or dull – become
stronger or more accurate.
Own proprioception becomes more distinct.
The recognition of forms and structures exclusively
through touch(stereognosis) becomes better.
The ability to concentrate becomes more persistent
and more flexible.
Intervention mechanisms
The reflex locomotion elicited by vojta therapy associated
with specific changes in cortical and subcortical brain.
Tactile stimulation on pre-defined zone of body activates
central nervous sytem.
If stimulation is given correctly and repeatedly, motor
patterns generated are learned by brain and could be
executed voluntarily by an individual.
Moreover, it can activate vegetative and autonomic
reactions such as eye coordination, jaw and tongue
movements, bowel and bladder coordination, sucking,
swallowing and breathing.
