A study on asymmetry in infants with congenital muscular torticollis according to head rotation

Abstract

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to research asymmetry in infants with congenital muscular torticollis (CMT) according to head rotation. [Subjects and Methods] 70 infants with CMT were divided into grade I, grade II, and grade III according to the asymmetry of cervical rotation. Patients received ultrasound and massage therapy for 30 minutes, in conjunction with passive stretching exercises, 3 times a week. Repeated measurement results from interventions were presented from baseline, 3 months, and 6 months. Asymmetry was evaluated by head tilt (HT) and the torticollis overall assessment (TOA). [Results] The TOA measured at 3 months and 6 months showed a significant difference in inter group scores and an intra group interaction with grade and rating scale was observed. In contrast, HT was significantly different in intra group comparison, but no significant difference in inter and intra group interaction was observed in the angle and grade. [Conclusion] Conservative physical therapy showed lasting effects according to the intervention period over 3 months and 6 months of repeated measurements over time in TOA and HT. Especially, TOA showed significant differences in asymmetric changes according to the cervical rotation.