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Background <p>The assessment of symmetry and movements of infants takes place during pediatric early developmental screenings. Musculoskeletal dysfunctions can be treated using manual therapy (MT). In the case of existing abnormalities, neurophysiological therapy, e.g., according to Bobath or Vojta, is indicated.</p> Objective <p>The aim of this observational study is to investigate to what extent relevant statements can be made about postural development after just three MT units in an infant’s first months of living.</p> Materials and methods <p>Two physiotherapists with a&#xa0;certificate in MT examined the children with an appropriate prescription for infants according to a&#xa0;standardized schedule. This was followed by three sessions of treatment with mobilization and release techniques but without impulse techniques, followed by the final assessment. After the early screening examination at the sixth to seventh months, a&#xa0;request was made for the examination report to be sent, and, if there were any abnormalities, the patient was examined again.</p> Results <p>The data of 93&#xa0;children were analyzed (age: 9.2 ± 4.5&#xa0;weeks; 49&#xa0;males). More than 75% were conspicuous with regard to their spontaneous motor skills in the supine and prone positions, the symmetry of head movements, and their preferred posture. Manual therapy brought about a&#xa0;clear improvement. At medical screening at 6–7&#xa0;months, 13&#xa0;children were still conspicuous. However, there was no consistency with regard to the measurement parameters.</p> Conclusion <p>Three sessions of MT treatment are promising with regard to existing functional disorders of the trunk with a&#xa0;focus on the key regions in infancy. Due to the small number of abnormalities found at the medical screening at 6–7&#xa0;months and the different development of findings, no recommendation can be made for a&#xa0;derived therapeutic regime regarding the start of neurophysiological treatment.</p>

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Manual therapy for infants in their first months of life – an observational study

  • 期刊论文

  • 出版模式：

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  • 发表日期：

    2025年7月17日

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  • Dana Loudovici-Krug,
  • Antje Lange,
  • Norman Best

摘要

Background

The assessment of symmetry and movements of infants takes place during pediatric early developmental screenings. Musculoskeletal dysfunctions can be treated using manual therapy (MT). In the case of existing abnormalities, neurophysiological therapy, e.g., according to Bobath or Vojta, is indicated.

Objective

The aim of this observational study is to investigate to what extent relevant statements can be made about postural development after just three MT units in an infant’s first months of living.

Materials and methods

Two physiotherapists with a certificate in MT examined the children with an appropriate prescription for infants according to a standardized schedule. This was followed by three sessions of treatment with mobilization and release techniques but without impulse techniques, followed by the final assessment. After the early screening examination at the sixth to seventh months, a request was made for the examination report to be sent, and, if there were any abnormalities, the patient was examined again.

Results

The data of 93 children were analyzed (age: 9.2 ± 4.5 weeks; 49 males). More than 75% were conspicuous with regard to their spontaneous motor skills in the supine and prone positions, the symmetry of head movements, and their preferred posture. Manual therapy brought about a clear improvement. At medical screening at 6–7 months, 13 children were still conspicuous. However, there was no consistency with regard to the measurement parameters.

Conclusion

Three sessions of MT treatment are promising with regard to existing functional disorders of the trunk with a focus on the key regions in infancy. Due to the small number of abnormalities found at the medical screening at 6–7 months and the different development of findings, no recommendation can be made for a derived therapeutic regime regarding the start of neurophysiological treatment.