Impact of Torticollis Associated With Plagiocephaly on Infants' Motor Development

Objective: This study investigated whether torticollis (congenital or acquired) in infants with plagiocephaly affects the achievement of specific gross motor milestones. Methods: A total of 175 infants affected by plagiocephaly with or without torticollis were recruited and included in this prospective trial. Anthropometric and clinical variables were recorded at baseline. The infants were included in a physiotherapy treatment program, and they were monthly assessed until hospital discharge. Results: Significant differences (P < 0.05) were observed in the achievement of rolling over, crawling, and standing skills depending on the specific profile (plagiocephaly and plagiocephaly with congenital or acquired torticollis). After adjusting for the severity of the plagiocephaly and the age at referral, the torticollis was significantly (P < 0.05) associated with crawling and standing skills. Conclusions: The findings suggest that the presence or absence of congenital or acquired torticollis is an important factor that affects gross motor development in infants with plagiocephaly.