A randomized controlled study on the efficiency of soft tissue mobilization in babies with congenital muscular torticollis

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.