Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 7, 2026

Assessment and Evaluation of the High Risk Neonate: The NICU Network Neurobehavioral Scale
19:15

Assessment and Evaluation of the High Risk Neonate: The NICU Network Neurobehavioral Scale

Published on: August 25, 2014

Reference values for range of motion and muscle function of the neck in infants

Anna Maria Ohman1, Eva R E Beckung

  • 1Department of Physiotherapy, The Queen Silvia Children's Hospital, Sahlgrenska University Hospital/Ostra, Göteborg, Sweden. anna.ohman@vgregion.se

Pediatric Physical Therapy : the Official Publication of the Section on Pediatrics of the American Physical Therapy Association
|February 28, 2008
PubMed

Insights

Healthy infants demonstrate robust cervical range of motion (ROM) and developing neck muscle function by 10 months. These findings establish crucial reference values for pediatric neck development.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric physical therapy
  • Infant biomechanics
  • Developmental pediatrics

Background:

  • Establishing normative data for infant neck range of motion (ROM) and muscle function is essential for early detection of developmental abnormalities.
  • Congenital muscular torticollis (CMT) is a common condition in infants that affects neck posture and movement.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To establish reference values for cervical range of motion (ROM) in rotation and lateral flexion in healthy infants.
  • To determine reference values for lateral neck flexor muscle function in healthy infants.

Main Methods:

  • Cervical range of motion (ROM) was measured in 38 healthy infants.
  • Muscle function of the lateral neck flexors was estimated in the same infants.
  • Measurements were taken at 2, 4, 6, and 10 months of age.

Main Results:

  • Mean cervical rotation ROM was 110 degrees; mean lateral flexion ROM was 70 degrees.
  • Infant muscle function scores increased from a median of 1 (IQR, 1-2) at 2 months to 3-4 by 10 months.
  • These results indicate significant development in neck mobility and muscle strength during the first year of life.

Conclusions:

  • Healthy infants under 1 year exhibit good cervical ROM, with rotation >= 100 degrees and lateral flexion >= 65 degrees.
  • These reference values for passive ROM and neck muscle function can aid clinicians in evaluating infants with congenital muscular torticollis.
  • Utilizing these benchmarks supports accurate initial assessments and progress tracking for infants with neck conditions.
Abstract

More Related Videos

Assessment of the Efficacy of An Osteopathic Treatment in Infants with Biomechanical Impairments to Suckling07:11

Assessment of the Efficacy of An Osteopathic Treatment in Infants with Biomechanical Impairments to Suckling

Published on: February 5, 2019

An Objective and Child-friendly Assessment of Arm Function by Using a 3-D Sensor07:25

An Objective and Child-friendly Assessment of Arm Function by Using a 3-D Sensor

Published on: February 12, 2018

Related Concept Videos

Muscles that Move the Head01:19

Muscles that Move the Head

The muscles that move the head are a dynamic and complex group of structures that work together to facilitate a wide range of head movements, including rotation, flexion, extension, and lateral bending.
The bilateral sternocleidomastoid, or SCM, and the suprahyoid and infrahyoid muscles are significant head flexors. The SCM muscles originate at the sternum and clavicle and attach to the mastoid process of the temporal bone. The SCM contracts bilaterally to bend the head forward, whereas...
Muscles of the Anterior Neck01:26

Muscles of the Anterior Neck

The anterior neck muscles are the group of muscles covering the front part of the neck. These muscles are classified into three subgroups. The first one is the superficial muscles, the most visible muscles in the front of the neck. It includes the platysma and sternocleidomastoid. The second group is the suprahyoid muscles, located above the hyoid bone. This group comprises the digastric, mylohyoid, geniohyoid, and stylohyoid. Lastly, the infrahyoid muscles are found below the hyoid bone and...
Assessment of Airway, Skin Color, and Use of Accessory Muscles01:30

Assessment of Airway, Skin Color, and Use of Accessory Muscles

A thorough assessment of respiratory health is paramount in clinical settings to identify and manage respiratory distress and ensure adequate oxygenation. This article elaborates on the critical aspects of respiratory evaluation, including airway assessment, skin color examination, and the observation of accessory muscle use, which are integral to effectively diagnosing and managing patients with respiratory conditions.
Introduction
The initial evaluation of a patient's respiratory system...
Anatomical Movements00:51

Anatomical Movements

Anatomical movements refer to the various actions or motions that can be performed by the body's joints and muscles. These movements are described using specific terms to provide a standardized way of discussing and understanding the range of motion at different joints.
Here are some common anatomical movements:
Flexion and extension motions are in the sagittal (anterior–posterior) plane of motion. These movements take place at the shoulder, hip, elbow, knee, wrist, metacarpophalangeal,...
Axial and Appendicular Muscles01:18

Axial and Appendicular Muscles

Skeletal muscles, the key players in our body's movement, can be classified into two groups based on their location and function: axial muscles and appendicular muscles. These classifications reflect the primary roles the muscles play in the body's structure and movement.
Axial Muscles
Axial muscles, situated along the body's midline, are intricately connected to the axial skeleton, which includes the skull, spine, ribs, and sternum. These muscles facilitate facial expressions and play a...