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Pediatric Physical Therapy : the... Oct 2018Congenital muscular torticollis (CMT) is a postural deformity evident shortly after birth, typically characterized by lateral flexion/side bending of the head to one...
BACKGROUND
Congenital muscular torticollis (CMT) is a postural deformity evident shortly after birth, typically characterized by lateral flexion/side bending of the head to one side and cervical rotation/head turning to the opposite side due to unilateral shortening of the sternocleidomastoid muscle; it may be accompanied by other neurological or musculoskeletal conditions. Infants with CMT should be referred to physical therapists to treat these postural asymmetries as soon as they are identified.
PURPOSE
This update of the 2013 CMT clinical practice guideline (CPG) informs clinicians and families as to whom to monitor, treat, and/or refer and when and what to treat. It links 17 action statements with explicit levels of critically appraised evidence and expert opinion with recommendations on implementation of the CMT CPG into practice.
RESULTS/CONCLUSIONS
The CPG addresses the following: education for prevention; referral; screening; examination and evaluation; prognosis; first-choice and supplemental interventions; consultation; discontinuation from direct intervention; reassessment and discharge; implementation and compliance audits; and research recommendations. Flow sheets for referral paths and classification of CMT severity have been updated.
Topics: Academies and Institutes; Child; Evidence-Based Practice; Female; Humans; Infant; Male; Paraspinal Muscles; Pediatrics; Range of Motion, Articular; Societies, Medical; Torticollis; United States
PubMed: 30277962
DOI: 10.1097/PEP.0000000000000544 -
Pediatrics Aug 2019Congenital muscular torticollis (CMT) is a common postural deformity evident shortly after birth, typically characterized by ipsilateral cervical lateral flexion and... (Review)
Review
Congenital muscular torticollis (CMT) is a common postural deformity evident shortly after birth, typically characterized by ipsilateral cervical lateral flexion and contralateral cervical rotation due to unilateral shortening of the sternocleidomastoid muscle. New evidence is emerging on the pathogenesis of CMT, the negative long-term consequences of delaying intervention, and the importance of early identification and early intervention to maximize outcomes. Our purpose in this article is to inform pediatricians and health care providers about new research evidence and share selected recommendations and implementation strategies specifically relevant to pediatric practice to optimize outcomes and health services for infants with CMT.
Topics: Biomedical Research; Humans; Infant; Infant, Newborn; Parents; Pediatricians; Posture; Torticollis
PubMed: 31350358
DOI: 10.1542/peds.2019-0582 -
Chiropractic & Manual Therapies Jun 2020To investigate for congenital muscular torticollis (CMT) and positional plagiocephaly (PP) the effectiveness and safety of manual therapy, repositioning and helmet...
The effectiveness and safety of conservative interventions for positional plagiocephaly and congenital muscular torticollis: a synthesis of systematic reviews and guidance.
AIM
To investigate for congenital muscular torticollis (CMT) and positional plagiocephaly (PP) the effectiveness and safety of manual therapy, repositioning and helmet therapy (PP only) using a systematic review of systematic reviews and national guidelines.
METHODS
We searched four major relevant databases: PubMed, Embase, Cochrane and MANTIS for research studies published between the period 1999-2019. Inclusion criteria were systematic reviews that analysed results from multiple studies and guidelines that used evidence and expert opinion to recommend treatment and care approaches. Three reviewers independently selected articles by title, abstract and full paper review, and extracted data. Selected studies were described by two authors and assessed for quality. Where possible meta-analysed data for change in outcomes (range of movement and head shape) were extracted and qualitative conclusions were assessed.
RESULTS
We found 10 systematic reviews for PP and 4 for CMT. One national guideline was found for each PP and CMT. For PP, manual therapy was found to be more effective than repositioning including tummy time (moderate to high evidence) but not better than helmet therapy (low evidence). Helmet therapy was better than usual care or repositioning (low evidence); and repositioning better than usual care (moderate to high evidence). The results for CMT showed that manual therapy in the form of practitioner-led stretching had moderate favourable evidence for increased range of movement. Advice, guidance and parental support was recommended in all the guidance to reassure parents of the favourable trajectory and nature of these conditions over time.
CONCLUSIONS
Distinguishing between superiority of treatments was difficult due to the lack of standardised measurement systems, the variety of outcomes and limited high quality studies. More well powered effectiveness and efficacy studies are needed. However overall, advice and guidance on repositioning (including tummy-time) and practitioner-led stretching were low risk, potentially helpful and inexpensive interventions for parents to consider.
SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION NUMBER
PROSPERO 2019 CRD42019139074.
Topics: Head Protective Devices; Humans; Musculoskeletal Manipulations; Plagiocephaly, Nonsynostotic; Systematic Reviews as Topic; Torticollis
PubMed: 32522230
DOI: 10.1186/s12998-020-00321-w -
Neurologia I Neurochirurgia Polska 2020Cervical dystonia is the most frequent form of focal dystonia. It is characterised by involuntary muscular contractions resulting in abnormal head/neck and shoulder... (Review)
Review
INTRODUCTION
Cervical dystonia is the most frequent form of focal dystonia. It is characterised by involuntary muscular contractions resulting in abnormal head/neck and shoulder movements and postures, which can be associated with tremor and pain. Local intramuscular injections of botulinum toxin type A (BoNT-A) is the treatment of choice, being both effective and well-tolerated. However, a considerable number (c. 30%) of patients discontinue this treatment. The aim of this review was to analyse the factors possibly responsible for treatment failures of cervical dystonia (CD), with special regard to the new classification known as the 'Col-Cap' concept and non-motor symptoms.
CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS
Several factors analysed in this review are responsible for effective treatment: proper diagnosis of dystonia and exclusion of pseudodystonias, correct recognition of dystonia pattern and identification of new patterns according to the Col-Cap concept, muscle selection and precise injections under electromyography (EMG) and/or ultrasonography (US) guidance. Furthermore, concomitant diagnosis and treatment of non-motor symptoms such as depression, anxiety, fatigue, sleep problems, phobias and stigmatisation are crucial in obtaining the best overall effect of the treatment. Primary and secondary immunisation and non-responsiveness seem to be marginal problems nowadays due to a low potential of new BoNT-A formulations to produce neutralising antibodies.
FUTURE DIRECTIONS
There is a need for new and relevant scales combining the Col-Cap concept patterns with non-motor symptoms and quality of life. There is also a lack of specific rehabilitation protocols which could enhance BoNT-A treatment results.
Topics: Botulinum Toxins; Humans; Pain; Quality of Life; Torticollis
PubMed: 32285434
DOI: 10.5603/PJNNS.a2020.0021 -
Toxins Nov 2022Physiotherapy is mentioned as an adjunctive treatment to improve the symptoms of cervical dystonia in terms of pain, function and quality of life. However, botulinum... (Review)
Review
Physiotherapy is mentioned as an adjunctive treatment to improve the symptoms of cervical dystonia in terms of pain, function and quality of life. However, botulinum neurotoxin injection remains the treatment of choice. This systematic review emphasizes physical therapy and evaluates it by including six studies. The methodology is based on a previous systematic review on this topic to provide better comparability and actuality. For this purpose, two databases were searched using the previously published keywords. This time, only randomised controlled trials were evaluated to increase the power. In conclusion, additional physical therapy and active home exercise programs appear to be useful. Further research should focus on the dose-response principle to emphasize physical therapy treatment modalities.
Topics: Humans; Torticollis; Quality of Life; Physical Therapy Modalities; Botulinum Toxins; Exercise Therapy
PubMed: 36422957
DOI: 10.3390/toxins14110784 -
Pediatric Physical Therapy : the... Jul 2018To systematically review the recent evidence on physical therapy (PT) diagnosis, prognosis, and intervention of congenital muscular torticollis to inform the update to... (Review)
Review
PURPOSE
To systematically review the recent evidence on physical therapy (PT) diagnosis, prognosis, and intervention of congenital muscular torticollis to inform the update to the PT management of congenital muscular torticollis evidence-based clinical practice guideline.
METHODS
From 2012 to 2017, 7 databases were searched for studies that informed PT diagnosis, prognosis, or intervention of infants and children with congenital muscular torticollis. Studies were appraised for risk of bias and quality.
RESULTS
Twenty studies were included. No studies informed PT diagnosis. Fourteen studies informed prognosis, including factors associated with presence of a sternocleidomastoid lesion, extent of symptom resolution, treatment duration, adherence to intervention, cervical spine outcomes, and motor outcome. Six studies informed intervention including stretching frequency, microcurrent, kinesiology tape, group therapy, and postoperative PT.
CONCLUSIONS
New evidence supports that low birth weight, breech presentation, and motor asymmetry are prognostic factors associated with longer treatment duration. Higher-level evidence is emerging for microcurrent intervention.
Topics: Child; Child, Preschool; Evidence-Based Practice; Female; Humans; Infant; Infant, Newborn; Male; Muscular Diseases; Neck Muscles; Physical Therapy Modalities; Practice Guidelines as Topic; Torticollis
PubMed: 29924060
DOI: 10.1097/PEP.0000000000000517 -
JPMA. the Journal of the Pakistan... Jan 2023Congenital muscular torticollis is a problem that arises at birth or immediately after birth in which the sternocleidomastoid muscle is shortened on the afflicted side,... (Review)
Review
Congenital muscular torticollis is a problem that arises at birth or immediately after birth in which the sternocleidomastoid muscle is shortened on the afflicted side, leading to an ipsilateral rotated of the head and a contralateral rotation of the face and jaw. To determine the effectiveness of physical therapy treatment in infants treated for congenital muscular torticollis, relevant articles published between 2011 and 2020 were located using electronic databases. A total of 9 studies out of 24 potentially relevant articles were reviewed. All studies were randomised controlled trials with 6-8 score on the Physiotherapy Evidence Database scale (Pedro scale) which showed high quality of methodology. The studies typically found significant statistical effects in the management of congenital muscular torticollis. Additionally, most of the studies reported increased adherence to exercise as another essential advantage. Conservative physical therapy management showed positive outcomes, and early physiotherapy referral showed significant reduction in treatment duration.
Topics: Infant, Newborn; Infant; Humans; Torticollis; Muscular Diseases; Neck Muscles; Physical Therapy Modalities; Fibroma
PubMed: 36842018
DOI: 10.47391/JPMA.3852 -
European Journal of Physical and... Oct 2015Congenital Muscular Torticollis (CMT) is the most common form of torticollis in infants; on clinical presentation it is classified into 3 types: 1) postural torticollis,...
BACKGROUND
Congenital Muscular Torticollis (CMT) is the most common form of torticollis in infants; on clinical presentation it is classified into 3 types: 1) postural torticollis, with postural deformity only in the neck; 2) muscular torticollis, where neck deformity is associated with muscle tightness and restricted passive range of motion (ROM); and 3) sternomastoid tumor or pseudotumor, with a fibrotic, sternocleido-mastoid muscle mass and passive ROM limitations.
AIM
The aim of this study was to evaluate the physical therapy outcome of infants with CMT treated either by parents using a home exercise program, or by a physical therapist.
DESIGN
Longitudinal study.
SETTING
Outpatients with CMT at our Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation.
POPULATION
Fifty consecutive newborns with CMT, referred by the primary pediatrician:
METHODS
In our study, 50 infants with CMT were evaluated and treated either by a physical therapist or by parents using a home program.
RESULTS
Sixteen females (32%) and 34 males (68%), aged 10.2 weeks (SD 6.66); 23 of the infants (46%) presented with more severe articular limitations than the others (P=0.002) and were therefore prescribed outpatient treatment by a physical therapist; the remaining 27 less severe cases (54%) were prescribed a home therapy program. 49 infants achieved full resolution after an average of 81.06 days (SD 64.05) of rehabilitation treatment. The group of patients who were treated at home achieved resolution more quickly (72.8 vs. 91.1 days), although statistical significance was not reached.
CONCLUSIONS
Infants with CMT who were treated early, either at home or in the outpatient clinic, completely recovered normal neck movement in a short time. It is important not to discharge patients until they have achieved full resolution of CMT symptoms to exclude the minimal risk of relapse.
CLINICAL REHABILITATION IMPACT
This study demonstrates the importance of early treatment in cases of congenital muscular torticollis.
Topics: Disability Evaluation; Female; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Longitudinal Studies; Male; Physical Therapy Modalities; Torticollis; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 25692687
DOI: No ID Found -
Medicine Aug 2021Early diagnosis as well as treatment is important in management of congenital muscular torticollis (CMT). The purpose of this study was to find an effective physical...
Effect of physical therapy intervention on thickness and ratio of the sternocleidomastoid muscle and head rotation angle in infants with congenital muscular torticollis: A randomized clinical trial (CONSORT).
BACKGROUND
Early diagnosis as well as treatment is important in management of congenital muscular torticollis (CMT). The purpose of this study was to find an effective physical therapy modality to improve the sternocleidomastoid (SCM) muscle thickness, the ratio of the SCM muscle thickness on the affected side to that on the non-affected side (A/N ratio), and head rotation in infant under 3 months of age diagnosed with CMT.
METHODS AND ANALYSIS
A single-blind, randomized clinical trial was conducted. Participants were assigned in one of the 3 study groups through randomization. The treatment was performed 3 times a week for 30 minutes until the head tilt was ≤5 degrees. Group 1 was treated by handling for active or active-assist movement, group 2 was treated with passive stretching, and group 3 was treated with thermotherapy. For general characteristics, a χ2 test and 1-way analysis of variance were used. Intragroup differences were analyzed using a paired t test, and intergroup differences were analyzed using an age-adjusted analysis of covariance.
RESULTS
After the intervention, there was no significant difference between groups in terms of SCM thickness on the affected side and A/N ratio (P > .05). Degree of head rotation on the affected side showed significant differences between groups (P < .05), with Group 2 showing significantly better results than group 1 and group 3 (P < .05, both).
CONCLUSION
Passive stretching treatment was more effective than other treatments of this study for improvement in degree of head rotation in CMT infants under 3 months of age.
TRIAL REGISTRATION
The trial is registered at the Institutional Review Board of Sahmyook University (IRB number, 2-7001793-AB-N-012019103HR) and the Clinical Research Information Service (CRiS; registry number, KCT0004862).
Topics: Humans; Infant; Muscles; Physical Therapy Modalities; Single-Blind Method; Sternum; Torticollis; Weights and Measures
PubMed: 34414985
DOI: 10.1097/MD.0000000000026998 -
Scientific Reports Mar 2022Smoothness (i.e. non-intermittency) of movement is a clinically important property of the voluntary movement with accuracy and proper speed. Resting head position and...
Smoothness (i.e. non-intermittency) of movement is a clinically important property of the voluntary movement with accuracy and proper speed. Resting head position and head voluntary movements are impaired in cervical dystonia. The current work aims to evaluate if the smoothness of voluntary head rotations is reduced in this disease. Twenty-six cervical dystonia patients and 26 controls completed rightward and leftward head rotations. Patients' movements were differentiated into "towards-dystonia" (rotation accentuated the torticollis) and "away-dystonia". Smoothness was quantified by the angular jerk and arc length of the spectrum of angular speed (i.e. SPARC, arbitrary units). Movement amplitude (mean, 95% CI) on the horizontal plane was larger in controls (63.8°, 58.3°-69.2°) than patients when moving towards-dystonia (52.8°, 46.3°-59.4°; P = 0.006). Controls' movements (49.4°/s, 41.9-56.9°/s) were faster than movements towards-dystonia (31.6°/s, 25.2-37.9°/s; P < 0.001) and away-dystonia (29.2°/s, 22.9-35.5°/s; P < 0.001). After taking into account the different amplitude and speed, SPARC-derived (but not jerk-derived) indices showed reduced smoothness in patients rotating away-dystonia (1.48, 1.35-1.61) compared to controls (1.88, 1.72-2.03; P < 0.001). Poor smoothness is a motor disturbance independent of movement amplitude and speed in cervical dystonia. Therefore, it should be assessed when evaluating this disease, its progression, and treatments.
Topics: Dystonic Disorders; Head Movements; Humans; Torticollis
PubMed: 35332258
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-09149-1