Validity and reliability of the muscle function scale, aimed to assess the lateral flexors of the neck in infants.

Infants with congenital muscular torticollis (CMT) often have an imbalance in muscle function in the lateral flexors of the neck, and the need for a valid and reliable assessment tool to determine muscle function in these muscles is essential. The lateral uprighting response is used to examine and to strengthen the sternocleidomastoid muscle. A Muscle Function Scale (MFS) has been refined and used for several years in a clinic for infants with CMT.

Reference values for range of motion and muscle function of the neck in infants.

Purpose: To determine reference values for cervical range of motion (ROM) in rotation and lateral flexion and for muscle function in the lateral neck flexors in a sample of infants who were healthy.

Method: ROM was measured, and muscle function was estimated in 38 infants at the ages of 2, 4, 6, and 10 months.

Results: For rotation the mean ROM was 110 degrees and for lateral flexion it was 70 degrees.