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Neural and visceral manipulation in infants with congenital muscular torticollis: a feasibility study
Jean Anne Zollars1, Patricia A Burtner2, Gail Stockman2
1Physical Therapy, Inc.: 1100 Alvarado Dr. NE, Suite C, Albuquerque, NM 87110, USA.
Insights
Neural/visceral manipulation offers a safe and effective alternative to manual stretching for infants with congenital muscular torticollis. This intervention significantly improved neck range of motion and motor development.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Physical Therapy
- Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine
- Infant Motor Development
Background:
- Congenital muscular torticollis (CMT) is a common condition in infants, often treated with manual stretching.
- Limited neck range of motion in CMT can impact motor development and social competence.
- Exploring alternative, non-invasive interventions is crucial for improving infant outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the feasibility, safety, and efficacy of neural/visceral manipulation (NVM) as an intervention for infants with CMT.
- To determine if NVM can increase neck range of motion (ROM) compared to traditional methods.
- To assess the impact of NVM on infant motor development and social-emotional skills.
Main Methods:
- Ten 4-month-old infants diagnosed with CMT participated in the study.
- Participants received eight sessions of NVM, each lasting 30-50 minutes.
- Neck ROM (rotation, lateral flexion) was measured using photography and computer analysis; motor development and social competence were assessed using standardized scales.
Main Results:
- Significant improvements were observed in both passive and active neck rotation and lateral flexion.
- Infants showed significant gains in motor development as measured by the Alberta Infant Motor Scale.
- Improvements were also noted in social-emotional skills assessed by the Bayley-III Social Emotional Scale.
Conclusions:
- Neural/visceral manipulation is a safe and feasible intervention for infants with congenital muscular torticollis.
- NVM effectively increases neck range of motion in infants with CMT.
- This therapeutic approach also positively influences infant motor development and social-emotional functioning.
Abstract:
[Purpose] As an alternative to manual stretching, the aim of this study was to investigate the feasibility of using neural/visceral manipulation as a safe and effective intervention to increase neck range of motion of infants with congenital muscular torticollis. [Participants and Methods] Ten 4-month old infants with congenital muscular torticollis received eight sessions of neural/visceral manipulation administered for 30-50 minutes without observed pain. Specific palpation techniques addressed restricted tissue areas of neck, head, trunk and extremities. Neck rotation and lateral flexion were assessed by still photography and a computer program calculating ROM angles before, immediately following, and 4 months post intervention. Motor development and social competence were monitored over time using the Alberta Infant Motor Scale and Bayley-III Social Emotional Scale. [Results] Results of analysis of variances revealed significant improvements in passive and active neck rotation and lateral flexion. Significant increases were also found on the Alberta Infant Motor Scale and Bayley-III Social-Emotional scale. [Conclusion] Neural/visceral manipulation can be used safely in infants with congenital muscular torticollis to improve neck range of motion.
