Bobath, Berta (1907–1991)

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Bobath, Berta (1907–1991)

German-born physiotherapist. Name variations: Berta Othilie Bobath. Born Dec 5, 1907, in Germany; moved to England (1938); died Jan 20, 1991, in England; m. Karel Bobath (pediatric neurologist), 1941.

Pioneer of treatment of cerebral palsy and adult hemiplegics, served as a therapist at Princess Louise Hospital (1944–51); received diploma in physiotherapy (1950); established private clinic, Western Cerebral Centre (1951), where her husband served as honorary consultant physician (the clinic, which moved to Hampstead and became known as the Bobath Centre in 1957, became the world leader in treatment for children with cerebral palsy); with husband, received Harding Award for outstanding work for the disabled. Made MBE (1978).

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