A randomized controlled study on the efficiency of soft tissue mobilization in babies with congenital muscular torticollis
Journal of Back and Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation, vol.31, no.2, pp.315-321, 2018 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)
- Publication Type: Article / Article
- Volume: 31 Issue: 2
- Publication Date: 2018
- Doi Number: 10.3233/bmr-169746
- Journal Name: Journal of Back and Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation
- Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus
- Page Numbers: pp.315-321
- Keywords: Congenital muscular torticollis, musculoskeleteal manipulations, pediatric physiotherapy
- Trakya University Affiliated: Yes
Abstract
Backround: Soft tissue mobilization techniques (STM) are used in clinical practice in treatment of congenital muscular torticollis(CMT).However, little is known about its effectiveness. Objectives: To investigate whether using STM to manage CMT in babies with mild to moderate head tilt was effective or not. Methods: Twenty-nine babies with CMT aged between 0-6 months, who had a head tilt from 5 to 20 degrees were allocated to two groups. Both groups received a baseline home program (positioning, handling strategies, stretching and strengthening exercises, environmental adaptations). The study group (SG) also received STM three times a week. Babies were evaluated initially, at six weeks, at 12 weeks and for follow-up at 18 weeks with muscle function scale, head tilt and range of motion for neck lateral flexion and rotation. Results: Both groups showed significant improvements in all measured parameters (p < 0.05). In comparison of groups, there were differences at six weeks in favor of the SG for neck rotation (0.001) and head tilt (= 0.006); but at 12 weeks and follow up, there were no longer any differences between the groups in any of the measured parameters. Conclusions: STM techniques are effective in getting faster positive results in the treatment of CMT.