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Child's Nervous System

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01-04-2017 | Original Paper

Positional plagiocephaly is associated with sternocleidomastoid muscle activation in healthy term infants

Authors: Amy Leung, Allison Mandrusiak, Pauline Watter, John Gavranich, Leanne Johnston

Published in: Child's Nervous System | Issue 4/2017

Abstract

Purpose

To explore the relationship between sternocleidomastoid activation and positional plagiocephaly in healthy full term infants.

Methods

Participants were 82 infants from a regionally based-longitudinal study of infant development. Sternocleidomastoid (SCM) activation was assessed using active head-righting responses of body-on-head with and against gravity and head-on-body against gravity at 3, 6 and 9 weeks. Plagiocephaly was assessed using the Modified Cranial Vault Asymmetry Index (mCVAI) at 9 weeks.

Results

More severe plagiocephaly was associated with more severe asymmetry in active head-righting responses at all ages (p < 0.001). Greater right-sided occipital flatness was related to stronger contralateral/left SCM activation at 3 and at 9 weeks (p = 0.008). Greater left-sided occipital flatness was related to stronger contralateral/right SCM activation at 3 weeks (p = 0.004). In infants with any right-sided occipital flatness, the mCVAI was greater in infants with asymmetrical gravity assisted body-on-head responses at 3 weeks (mCVAI = 4.31 (2.01)%, 95% CI 2.87–5.75) compared to those with symmetrical responses (mCVAI = 2.64 (1.66)%, 95% CI 2.06–3.22) (p = 0.011).

Conclusions

Sternocleidomastoid activation asymmetry is a significant contributor to plagiocephaly development by 9 weeks of age due to stronger contralateral SCM activation. Active head-righting responses are appropriate to assess sternocleidomastoid activation in infants under 2 months of age.

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Title: Positional plagiocephaly is associated with sternocleidomastoid muscle activation in healthy term infants
Authors: Amy Leung
Allison Mandrusiak
Pauline Watter
John Gavranich
Leanne Johnston
Publication date: 01-04-2017
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in: Child's Nervous System / Issue 4/2017
Print ISSN: 0256-7040
Electronic ISSN: 1433-0350
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00381-017-3351-z

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Positional plagiocephaly is associated with sternocleidomastoid muscle activation in healthy term infants

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusions

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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