Objective: To compare the efficacy of a Neurofacilitation of Developmental Reaction
(NFDR) approach with that of a Conventional approach in the modulation of tone in children with
neurodevelopmental delay.
Methods: Experimental control design. A total of 30 spastic children ranging in age from 4
to 7 years with neurodevelopmental delay were included. Baseline evaluations of muscle tone and
gross motor functional performance abilities were performed. The children were allocated into two
intervention groups of 15 subjects each. In groups A and B, the NFDR and conventional approaches
were applied, respectively, for 3 months and were followed by subsequent re-evaluations.
Results: Between group analyses were performed using independent t test for tone and
primitive reflex intensity and a Mann-Whitney U test for gross motor functional ability. For the
within-group analyses, paired t tests were used for tone and primitive reflex intensity, and a Wilcoxon
signed-rank test was used for gross motor functional ability.
Conclusion: The NFDR approach/technique prepares the muscle to undergo tonal modulation
and thereby enhances motor development and improves the motor functional performance abilities
of the children with neurodevelopmental delay.