# Home-based rehabilitation experience of children with congenital muscular torticollis: a qualitative study

## TL;DR

This study explores the home-based rehabilitation experiences of children with congenital muscular torticollis and the challenges faced by caregivers.

## Contribution

The study identifies key themes and needs for improving home-based rehabilitation programs for children with congenital muscular torticollis.

## Key findings

- Primary caregivers face dilemmas and have diverse needs during home-based rehabilitation.
- Caregivers desire more professional knowledge and support from medical workers.
- Communication and adherence to training are critical for successful home-based rehabilitation.

## Abstract

Early physical therapy holds significant importance for the rehabilitation of children with congenital muscular torticollis. Comprehensive physical therapy combined with home-based care intervention has been developed as well; However, certain issues persist in practical application, such as poor caregiver compliance, inability to adhere to rehabilitation in the long term, lack of disease - related knowledge, etc. Thus, this study aims to offer a reference for the formulation of a home-based rehabilitation program for this population by comprehending the actual experience and requirements of home-based rehabilitation for children with congenital muscular torticollis.

Through purposive sampling, a descriptive phenomenological study was conducted on family members of children with congenital muscular torticollis from two hospitals in Chongqing Province, China. Semi-structured in-depth interviews were carried out either face-to-face or via video conferencing in the hospital conference room and were evaluated using Colaizzi’s 7-step phenomenological analysis.

A total of 11 primary caregivers of children with congenital muscular torticollis were interviewed, and 9 categories were derived from this study. There were 3 themes for the home-based rehabilitation of children with congenital muscular torticollis: (1) Perceptions and attitudes, (2) Dilemmas, and (3) Trust and need.

The findings indicate that during the home-based rehabilitation process, the primary caregivers of children with congenital muscular torticollis have diverse needs and difficulties. The respondents expressed their hope that medical workers could enhance communication with them, provide professional support, and urge them to adhere to training. Among the numerous needs, the teaching of professional knowledge and skills for home-based rehabilitation training is the most desired.

Not applicable.

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12912-025-03360-x.