Vojta Therapy for Cerebral Palsy

Vojta Therapy Method (Reflex Locomotion)

The Vojta therapy method, also known as the reflex locomotion method, was developed by the Czech physician Václav Vojta (1917–2000) in the early 1950s. This rehabilitation method was created empirically while studying motor reactions observed in response to specific stimulation applied in certain positions of the child. Václav Vojta found that this stimulation triggers global muscular activity that is present in all forms of human movement (locomotion).

Global Models as the Basis of Reflex Locomotion

The “global models” described by Vojta became the theoretical basis of the reflex locomotion method.
The term “global locomotion” refers to motor responses that occur when the reflex locomotion method is applied.

During this process the muscles of the entire body are activated in a coordinated way, impulses reach all regulatory levels of the nervous system, new reflex connections are formed.

These movement patterns involve:

• skeletal muscles,
• facial muscles,
• ocular muscles,
• respiratory muscles,
• muscles involved in swallowing,
• intestinal peristalsis,
• bladder function.

Triggering Motor Reactions Through Targeted Stimulation

The motor reactions described by Vojta are triggered by applying measured pressure to specific zones of the patient’s body while the patient is positioned either on the stomach or on the side.

These global models are part of human motor acts such as:

• grasping,
• rolling,
• crawling,
• walking.

They form the basis of motor rehabilitation for:

• infants,
• children,
• adolescents,
• adults.

Reflex Responses in Motor-Impaired and Healthy Children

Through his research, Dr. Vojta discovered that reflex reactions in individuals with established motor impairments are similar to reactions in healthy infants.
This demonstrated that important movement patterns can be stimulated early, forming necessary “building blocks” for early motor development.

Therapeutic Goals of Reflex Locomotion

The purpose of the reflex locomotion method is to develop control of body posture, weight-bearing functions of the limbs, coordinated muscle activity.

These abilities are impaired in patients with central nervous system disorders, patients with peripheral nervous system disorders and individuals with musculoskeletal impairments caused by other factors.

Correcting Pathological Movement Patterns

Pathological motor patterns caused by neurological damage can be corrected using the reflex locomotion method.

Two key coordination complexes are used:

• reflex crawling,
• reflex turning.

These reflexes were studied both in patients with motor impairments (e.g., spastic paralysis) and healthy infants.

Parent Involvement and Long-Term Repetition

A therapeutic effect is achieved through frequent repetition of exercises over an extended period. Parents participate in the treatment process, undergo training with a certified Vojta therapist, perform exercises at home.

Exercise execution includes placing the child in the required reflex posture, applying pressure to the targeted stimulation zone, and repeating the exercise regularly once a visible reflex response appears.

The stimulation zone is selected individually based on motor impairments and the desired motor reaction.

Reflex Locomotion Is Not Functional Movement Training

It does not aim to teach a specific functional movement (e.g., grasping or rolling).
Instead, it helps the nervous system create coordinated muscle activity models that can later support functional movement development.

Additional Information

The International Vojta Therapy Association: www.vojta.com

About the author

Тарас Волошин

Лікар-невролог Міжнародної реабілітаційної клініки Козявкіна з 2009 року. Учасник міжнародних конференцій, автор публікацій, спеціалізується на оцінці та реабілітації пацієнтів із ДЦП.