Objective: To investigate the effect of the myokinetic stretching technique (MST) on morphological changes and associated clinical outcomes.
Method: Infantile torticollis (N=32, 17 males) between 1 and 5 months of age (50.56 +/- 20.74 days) were treated with the MST for approximately 30 minutes per session, 5 times a week at university hospital. Diagnostic real-time ultrasound imaging was used on both unaffected and affected sides before and after the treatment to measure the sternocleidomastoid (SCM) muscle thickness of the involved area. Range of motion, head symmetry, and plagiocephaly with radiographs were determined. Data were analyzed using unpaired and paired t-test at p< 0.05.
Results: A significant reduction in SCM muscle thickness was observed after the intervention (p< 0.05). This morphological change was associated with significant improvements in passive cervical range of motion and head symmetry (p< 0.05). The mean intervention duration was 53.59 +/- 25.12 days to completely resolve the mass. These effects continued to exist one year post-intervention.
Conclusions: This was the first clinical evidence that demonstrated the efficacy of MST for improving cervical motion and muscle thickness in infants with congenital muscular torticollis as well as shortening the treatment duration.