The Effects of Weight Shift Training on the Symmetry of Upper Extremity Weight Bearing in the Prone Position in Infants With Congenital Muscular Torticollis

NCT07663721 — Not applicable, Completed, 28 participants, Sahmyook University

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Registry	NCT07663721
Status	Completed
Phase	Not applicable
Study type	Interventional; randomized, parallel, masking: none, treatment
Enrollment	28 (Actual)
Sponsor	Sahmyook University (Other)
Conditions	Congenital Muscular Torticollis
Interventions	Weight Shift Training, Stretching Exercise (Other)
Dates	start 2026-06-30, primary completion 2026-09-30, completion 2026-10-01, first posted 2026-06-23, last updated 2026-10-16
Locations	1 site in South Korea

-Summary

Congenital muscular torticollis(CMT) is a common musculoskeletal condition in infancy that may result in asymmetrical posture and weight-bearing patterns, limited cervical range of motion, and delayed motor development. This randomized controlled trial aims to investigate the effects of weight shift training on upper extremity weight-bearing symmetry in infants with CMT.

A total of 30 infants aged 6 to 12 months diagnosed with CMT will be randomly assigned to either an experimental group(n = 15) or a control group(n = 15). The experimental group will receive weight shift training in prone and sitting positions in addition to stretching exercises, while the control group will receive stretching exercises only. Both groups will participate in 30-minute intervention sessions three times per week for eight weeks.

The primary outcome is upper extremity weight-bearing symmetry, which will be assessed using the Balancia software system. Secondary outcomes include motor development assessed by the Alberta Infant Motor Scale(AIMS), head tilt angle, and passive cervical rotation range of motion. The findings of this study may provide evidence regarding the effectiveness of weight shift training in improving postural symmetry and motor function in infants with congenital muscular torticollis.

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+Detailed description

Congenital muscular torticollis(CMT) is a musculoskeletal condition characterized by unilateral shortening or tightness of the sternocleidomastoid muscle, resulting in head tilt, limited cervical range of motion, and postural asymmetry. Infants with CMT frequently demonstrate asymmetrical weight bearing patterns.

Early physical therapy interventions, including stretching exercises, are widely used to improve cervical mobility and reduce postural asymmetry. However, interventions specifically targeting symmetrical weight bearing and postural control may provide additional benefits by promoting more symmetrical development in functional activities.

Weight shift training encourages active transfer of body weight while maintaining postural stability. Improved weight bearing symmetry may contribute to more efficient motor development and functional movement patterns in infants with CMT.

The purpose of this study is to determine whether the addition of weight shift training to conventional stretching exercises improves upper extremity weight-bearing symmetry, motor development, head posture, and cervical mobility in infants with congenital muscular torticollis. The findings of this study may provide evidence for the clinical effectiveness of incorporating weight shift training into rehabilitation programs for infants with CMT.

+Arms and interventions

Arm	Type	Interventions	Description
Weight Shift Training + Stretching	Experimental	Other: Weight Shift Training; Other: Stretching Exercise	Experimental groups will receive weight shift training in prone and sitting positions in addition to stretching exercises. The intervention will be provided for 30 minutes per session, three times per week, for eight weeks.
Stretching Only	Active comparator	Other: Stretching Exercise	Control groups will receive stretching exercises only. The intervention will be provided for 30 minutes per session, three times per week, for eight weeks.

Weight Shift Training (Other): Weight shift training will be performed in prone and sitting positions to facilitate symmetrical weight bearing and postural control in infants with congenital muscular torticollis.
Stretching Exercise (Other): Stretching exercises will be performed to improve head tilt and cervical range of motion in infants with congenital muscular torticollis.

+Outcome measures

Primary outcomes

Symmetry of Upper Extremity Weight Bearing in the Prone Position [Baseline and Week 8]: Symmetry of Upper extremity weight bearing in the prone position will be assessed using the Balancia software system. Weight bearing distribution between the left and right upper extremities will be measured.

Secondary outcomes

Head tilt [Baseline and Week 8]: Head tilt will be measured to evaluate postural asymmetry associated with congenital muscular torticollis.
Cervical rotation passive range of motion [Baseline and Week 8]: Cervical rotation passive range of motion will be measured using standard clinical assessment procedures.
Motor Development Assessed by the Alberta Infant Motor Scale [Baseline and Week 8]: Motor development will be assessed using the Alberta Infant Motor Scale. The Alberta Infant Motor Scale is an observational measure of infant motor development with scores ranging from 0 to 58, where higher scores indicate better motor development.

+Eligibility

Sex: All, ages: 6 Months to 12 Months

Inclusion Criteria:

* Diagnosed with congenital muscular torticollis by a physician
* Head tilt angle of 15 degrees or greater and limitation of passive cervical rotation range of motion
* Able to independently maintain the prone position and demonstrate asymmetrical upper extremity weight bearing

Exclusion Criteria:

* Diagnosed with non-muscular torticollis, including postural torticollis or ocular torticollis
* Presence of congenital cervical spine abnormalities or neurological complications
* Any medical condition that may interfere with participation in the intervention or outcome assessments

+Locations (1)

Facility	City	Country	Status
EZ Rehabilitation Medicine Clinic	Yongin-si, Gyeonggi-do	South Korea

+Investigators

junyeong Heo, PT, Principal investigator, Sahmyook University