Comparison of motor relearning occupation-based and neurodevelopmental treatment approaches in treating patients with traumatic brain injury

Abstract

Introduction : Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) is caused by trauma related to motor vehicle accidents (MVAs), accidental falls and violence. Around the world, approximately 69 million people annually suffer a TBI due to various causes with the majority of cases affecting low and middle income countries (LMICs). The management of TBI requires a multidisciplinary approach which includes rehabilitation. The aim of the study was therefore to evaluate the outcomes of the Neurodevelopmental Treatment (NDT) and motor relearning occupation-based approaches on physical performance and self-care among adults with TBI. Methods : An experimental research design comparing two groups was used in the study. The Fugl Meyer Assessment (FMA) was used to evaluate the motor performance and a Modified Barthel Index (MBI) was used to ascertain the functional independence of the study participants before and after interventions. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and non-parametric tests. Results : The motor relearning occupation-based approach showed greater improvement in the FMA total, upper extremity and wrist, and most of the MBI scores. The NDT approach showed greater improvement in pain scores. Conclusio n: The findings of the current study indicate that both motor relearning occupation-based and NDT treatment approaches show clinically significant improvement in physical performance and self-care. The study also shows that the motor relearning occupationbased approach is more preferable to the NDT for improvement of physical performance and self-care. Keywords: Self-care, Neurodevelopmental Treatment approach, Motor relearning occupation-based approach, Traumatic brain injury