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Description

Congenital muscular torticollis (CMT) is a musculoskeletal disorder typically presenting in newborns/infants that is characterized by unilateral shortening and increased tone in the upper cervical muscle called the sternocleidomastoid. (Hardgrib, 2017) This increased tone and shortening of the musculature causes the infant to present in a higher degree of lateral flexion on the ipsilateral side, and higher degree of cervical rotation on the contralateral side. (Ellwood et al., 2020) Infants participate in occupations with their caregivers throughout daily routines, and the various impairments caused by CMT can cause an effect on occupational performance and participation of the infant. The problem is there is a lack of information and statistics on caregivers’ self-rating of their understanding on infant positioning and handling during occupations of infancy based on the severity of infant CMT.

The purpose of this quantitative research type capstone project is to collect and analyze data on caregivers’ self-rating of their understanding on infant positioning and handling during occupations based on the severity of infant CMT. The researcher created a survey including questions on rating of understanding of positioning and handling techniques and posted the link to the survey to 3 Facebook support groups for the population. It was found that there was no statistically significant relationship between severity of CMT and mean self-rating responses of caregivers of infants with CMT in regard to play and rest/sleep. There was a statistically significant relationship between Mild CMT and Moderate CMT caregivers in regard to feeding, with mild CMT scoring significantly higher. The research also found that among the 3 severities, self-rating scores were relatively low across all occupations.

Publication Date

Fall 12-10-2021

Publisher

University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences

Medical Subject Headings

Congenital Torticollis, Caregivers, Infant, Posture, Occupational Therapy, Surveys and Questionnaires

Comments

Poster presented at the Fall 2021 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium held online at the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences, December 9-10, 2021.

A Quantitative Exploration of Relationships Between Severity of Infant Congenital Muscular Torticollis and Caregiver Understanding of Positioning and Handling During Occupations of Infancy
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