title: Vojta therapy and neurodevelopmental treatment in children with infantile postural asymmetry: a randomised controlled trial.
abstract: [Purpose] Physical therapy is an acknowledged and frequently applied method for infantile postural asymmetry. However, there is not yet sufficient evidence for its effectiveness. [Subjects and Methods] In a randomised controlled trial, the effect of Vojta therapy versus Neurodevelopmental treatment is assessed in infants with postural asymmetry. 65 infants with postural asymmetry were recruited. 37 infants aged six to eight weeks (mean 7.38) were found to be eligible and randomly assigned to two groups, with 19 receiving Vojta and 18 Neurodevelopmental treatment. Using a standardised and blinded video-based assessment, we documented restriction in head rotation and convexity of the spine in prone and supine position before and after therapy. A reduction of at least four points (range of scale 20 points) in postural asymmetry was regarded as a clinically relevant change. [Results] On average a four-point reduction was achieved in both groups within eight weeks. A mean difference (pre-post) between the groups of -2.96 points in favour of Vojta therapy was observed. [Conclusion] While both Neurodevelopmental treatment and Vojta are effective in the treatment of infantile postural asymmetry and comparably well applied by the parents, therapeutic effectiveness is significant greater within the Vojta group.
authors.affiliation: School of Therapy and Social Work, Fresenius University of Applied Sciences Frankfurt, Germany.
authors.forename: Michael Wilhelm
authors.initials: MW
authors.lastname: Jung
authors.affiliation: Medical Faculty, Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, Germany.
authors.forename: Margarete
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Landenberger
authors.affiliation: Department of Physical Therapy, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Germany.
authors.forename: Tatjana
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Jung
authors.affiliation: Department of Physical Therapy, Clementine Children's Hospital Frankfurt, Germany.
authors.forename: Thorsten
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Lindenthal
authors.affiliation: Center of Developmental Neurology Frankfurt, Germany.
authors.forename: Heike
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Philippi
keywords: Congenital muscular torticollis; Non-invasive therapy; Physiotherapy