An interventional study of Weight Shift Training and Stretching Exercise in Congenital Muscular Torticollis, sponsored by Sahmyook University. Not yet recruiting at 1 site in South Korea. Open to participants aged 6 Months to 12 Months. Per ClinicalTrials.gov, last updated 2026-06-26.
Sponsored by Sahmyook University · Not applicable, Interventional, and Treatment
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.
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.
Exclusion Criteria:
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.
Other: Weight Shift Training · 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.
Other: Stretching Exercise
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 exercises will be performed to improve head tilt and cervical range of motion in infants with congenital muscular torticollis.
Symmetry of Upper Extremity Weight Bearing in the Prone Position
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.
Time frame: Baseline and Week 8
Head tilt
Head tilt will be measured to evaluate postural asymmetry associated with congenital muscular torticollis.
Time frame: Baseline and Week 8
Cervical rotation passive range of motion
Cervical rotation passive range of motion will be measured using standard clinical assessment procedures.
Time frame: Baseline and Week 8
Motor Development Assessed by the Alberta Infant Motor Scale
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.
Time frame: Baseline and Week 8
Plan to share: No — Individual participant data will not be made publicly available to protect participant confidentiality.
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Congenital torticollis
Sahmyook University