Assessment of Viscoelastic Parameters of Muscles in Children Aged 4–9 Months with Minor Qualitative Impairment of the Motor Pattern after Vojta Therapy Implementation

The aim of this study was to assess if there are any objective changes in the viscoelastic parameters of the erector spinae muscle after Vojta stimulation. The study involved 22 healthy children at an average age of 7 months and with an Apgar score of 8–10 points, who were referred for rehabilitation due to a slight delay in the phases of psychomotor development. The first group consisted of 11 children with increased muscle tone (IMT) and the second group consisted of 11 children with non-increased muscle tone (nonIMT). All study participants received a one-time Vojta therapy session, which was continued for 4 weeks by parents at home. The viscoelastic parameters of the dorsal extensor muscle were measured three times. In the first study group, changes in the viscoelastic parameters of the extensor muscles of the back occurred immediately after the therapy at the first examination, whereas changes in the supporting and extensor function of the limbs occurred in both groups at the second examination. Analysis featuring an objective assessment allows physiotherapists to diagnose local changes in the viscoelastic parameters after the implementation of therapy. These studies are the first pilot studies to be continued with a 30- or 60-day follow-up.