Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 12, 2026
Assessment of the Efficacy of An Osteopathic Treatment in Infants with Biomechanical Impairments to Suckling
Published on: February 5, 2019
A randomized controlled trial of positioning treatments in infants with positional head shape deformities
B Lynne Hutchison1, Alistair W Stewart, Tristan B De Chalain
1Department of Paediatrics, University of Auckland, New Zealand. bl.hutchison@auckland.ac.nz
Insights
Most infants with deformational plagiocephaly and brachycephaly improved with positioning strategies alone. A sleep positioning wrap did not significantly enhance head shape correction in infants.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Orthopedics
- Developmental Pediatrics
Background:
- Deformational plagiocephaly and brachycephaly are common infant conditions.
- Lack of high-quality randomized controlled trials for treatment strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of positioning strategies versus positioning plus a sleep wrap for infant head shape correction.
- To assess the impact on neck function.
Main Methods:
- 126 infants randomized to positioning or positioning plus Safe T Sleep™ wrap.
- Digital photography for head shape measurement; neck function assessment.
- Follow-up at 3, 6, and 12 months.
Main Results:
- No significant difference in head shape outcomes between groups at 12 months.
- 42% of infants achieved normal head shape; 80% showed good improvement.
- Poorer outcomes associated with combined plagiocephaly/brachycephaly and later presentation.
Conclusions:
- Infant head shape generally improves with positioning over 12 months.
- Sleep positioning wraps did not accelerate improvement rates.
- Early intervention is key for optimal outcomes.
Background:
Randomized controlled trials of treatment for deformational plagiocephaly and brachycephaly have been lacking in the literature.
Methods:
Infants (n = 126) presenting to a plagiocephaly clinic were randomized to either positioning strategies or to positioning plus the use of a Safe T Sleep™ positioning wrap. Head shape was measured using a digital photographic technique, and neck function was assessed. They were followed up at home 3, 6 and 12 months later.
Results:
There was no difference in head shape outcomes for the two treatment groups after 12 months of follow-up, with 42% of infants having head shapes in the normal range by that time. Eighty per cent of children showed good improvement. Those that had poor improvement were more likely to have both plagiocephaly and brachycephaly and to have presented later to clinic.
Conclusions:
Most infants improved over the 12-month study period, although the use of a sleep positioning wrap did not increase the rate of improvement.
More Related Videos
07:12Clinical Efficacy of an Innovative Multidimensional Traction Therapy in Moderate Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis
Published on: February 10, 2026
07:20Repeated Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Combined with Action Observation Training in Children with Spastic Cerebral Palsy
Published on: August 9, 2024