November 25, 2026
EM464: CESENA - IBITA Advanced Level Course - Functional recovery of the upper limb after central injury: reaching, grasping, manipulating
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Monia AlessiPt, IBITA Advanced Course Instructor
Introduction:
The Bobath concept is one of the most widely used approaches to neurorehabilitation internationally. It is based on clinical problem solving for the assessment and treatment of people with movement disorders, postural control and functional gestures following injuries to the central nervous system. Born from the pioneering work of Berta and Karel Bobath, this approach has evolved over more than seventy years, progressively integrating the latest discoveries in neuroscience, biomechanics, neural and muscular plasticity, and motor control/learning.
This advanced course aims to deepen clinical reasoning and technical skills necessary to address functional issues related to reaching, grasping, and manipulation of the upper limb in patients with central lesions. The goal is to promote maximum functional recovery through the integration of theoretical evidence and clinical practice, in accordance with the conceptual framework offered by the Model of Bobath Clinical Practice (MBCP).
During the course, the fundamental principles of treatment according to the Bobath concept will be presented, with particular attention to the interaction between the upper limb, postural control, and manipulative function. Through clinical cases, practical workshops, and treatment sessions, participants will have the opportunity to refine their clinical skills in an active and shared learning environment.
Course objectives
The course aims to provide participants with advanced theoretical and practical tools to address upper limb rehabilitation following central lesions in a targeted and informed manner, through the following objectives:
• Gain a thorough understanding of the neurofunctional consequences of central nervous system lesions on the upper limb, in relation to posture, movement, and independence in daily activities.
• Analyze and resolve issues related to the functional tasks of reaching, grasping, and manipulation, adopting a structured clinical problem-solving approach.
• Develop specialized technical skills in the application of neuromotor treatment according to the Bobath concept, with a focus on the integration between the upper limb and postural control.
• Assess and stimulate the rehabilitation potential of each patient, promoting personalized therapeutic strategies aimed at maximum functional recovery.
• Integrate theoretical knowledge and scientific evidence to support clinical decisions, consolidating clinical reasoning based on neurophysiological and biomechanical models.
• Monitor progress and the effectiveness of the intervention using functional assessment tools and specific outcomes, for measurable, results-oriented rehabilitation.
In collaboration with:
Intended for
Payments
- Deposit €520.00 within 7 days from the registration
- Balance €460.00 by date November 13, 2026
Calendar
language
COURSE LOCATION: Gambettola (FC) - Physio.B, Via Pascucci, 143, 47035.
SCHEDULE
PROGRAMMA
DAY 1
8:30-9:00 Registration of participants and presentation of course objectives
9:00-11:00 Lesson: Postural basics for upper limb functional recovery
11:00-11:15 Coffee break
11:15-12:45 Demonstration of a clinical case (Patient A) by the teachers in a group session
12:45-1:00 p.m. Summary of clinical reasoning and discussion
1:00-2:00 p.m. Lunch
2:00-3:30 p.m. Treatment of patients by participants
3:30-3:45 p.m. Coffee break
3:45-4:45 p.m. Practical workshop: Postural control necessary to support upper limb and hand recovery. 4:45-5:45 p.m. Practical workshop: The hand integrates postural control as the primary source of information for decoding the body's midline and for walking
Day 2
9:00-11:00 Lecture: Neurophysiology of reaching, grasping, and manipulation processes. The role of the corticospinal tract
11:00-11:15 Coffee break
11:15-12:45 Demonstration of a clinical case (Patient A) by the teachers in a group session – Progression of treatment
12:45-1:00 Summary of clinical reasoning and discussion
1:00-2:00 Lunch
2:00-3:30 p.m. Treatment of patients by participants
3:30-3:45 p.m. Coffee break
3:45-5:45 p.m. Workshop: Upper limb alignment as a prerequisite for hand freedom - The anatomical and functional connections between scapular setting and selective hand movements
Day 3
9:00-11:00 Presentation of a clinical case using the MBCP (Model of Bobath Clinical Practice): The relationship between the upper limb and postural control 11:00-11:15 Coffee break
11:15-12:45 Demonstration of a clinical case (Patient B) by the teachers in a group session
12:45-1:00 p.m. Summary of clinical reasoning and discussion
1:00-2:00 p.m. Lunch
2:00-3:30 p.m. Treatment of patients by participants
3:30-3:45 p.m. Coffee break
3:45-5:45 p.m. Workshop: Preparation of the upper limb for functional reach-to-grasp.
Day 4
9:00-11:00 Lecture: Taxonomy of manipulative functions - Clinical assessment, outcome measures, and treatment principles
11:00-11:15 Coffee break
11:15-12:45 Demonstration of a clinical case (Patient B) by the instructors in a group session - treatment progression
12:45-1:00 p.m. Summary of clinical reasoning and discussion
1:00-2:00 p.m. Lunch
2:00-3:30 p.m. Treatment of patients by participants
3:30-3:45 p.m. Coffee break
3:45-5:45 p.m. Workshop: Preparation of the hand for functional activity. Full palm grips and examples of task practice according to the Bobath Concept.
Day 5
9:00-11:00 Pincer and hook grips, how to facilitate and train them – Sensory stimulation of the hand: which afferent modalities are most effective in facilitating motor recovery? 11:00-11:15 Coffee break
11:15-12:45 Demonstration of a clinical case (Patient C) by the teachers in a group session (patient with some of the complications described)
12:45-1:00 Summary of clinical reasoning and discussion
1:00-2:00 Lunch
2:00-3:30 Treatment of patients by participants
3:30-3:45 Coffee break
3:45-4:45 p.m. Complications affecting the upper limb (glenohumeral misalignment and biomechanical pain, distal edema, etc.) – brief theory and advice for rehabilitation management
4:45-5:15 p.m. Practical Ecm test and conclusion of the course
