Presentation (CTI)

OBJECTIVES: Infantile muscular torticollis is one of the most common musculoskeletal disorders. The aim of our study was to verify the effectiveness of a complex physiotherapy intervention and to identify the prognostic factors determining rehabilitation duration.
METHODS: Our prospective, longitudinal, quantitative clinical study was conducted in Tatabánya between June and December 2025. Using non-random purposive sampling, 17 infants older than one month but younger than one year were selected, all diagnosed with tilted head posture. The sample included term-born (n=8) and preterm (n=9) infants. Physiotherapeutic effectiveness was assessed by measuring rotational and lateral flexion range of motion (using a goniometer), applying the Muscle Function Scale (MFS), and using Still Photography documentation. Descriptive statistics, paired and two-sample t-tests, and Pearson correlation analysis were performed for statistical analysis (p<0.05).
RESULTS: As a result of the physiotherapy program, significant improvements were observed in all examined parameters (p<0.05). The rehabilitation duration of the congenital torticollis group was significantly shorter than that of the postural type group (p=0.022). It was confirmed that treatment initiated before 3 months of age yielded significantly faster results (p=0.029). By the end of the treatment, the initially present cranial asymmetry resolved in all cases (p=0.001). Our correlation analysis showed a negative, moderate correlation between gestational week (birth week) and the duration of rehabilitation (r=-0.326; p=0.201).
CONCLUSIONS: Our findings support that conservative physiotherapy is highly effective in treating torticollis and accompanying cranial deformities. The duration of rehabilitation is fundamentally determined by the etiology and the timing of therapy initiation; therefore, early screening and specific intervention are of paramount importance, particularly within the preterm infant population.