Application of the Philippi scale for monitoring infants with infantile postural asymmetry during targeted physiotherapy: a case series
Authors:
B. Vlčková 1; L. Pospíšilová 2; M. Šafářová 1; A. Carbajo 1; J. Jačisko 1; A. Kobesová 1
Authors‘ workplace:
Klinika rehabilitace a tělovýchovného lékařství 2. LF UK a FNMH, Praha
1; RL–Corpus s. r. o., Olomouc
2
Published in:
Rehabil. fyz. Lék., 33, 2026, No. 1, pp. 29-35.
Category:
Case Report
doi:
https://doi.org/10.48095/ccrhfl202629
Overview
Infantile postural asymmetry (IPA) is a common disorder of early motor development, characterized mainly by asymmetrical positioning of the head and trunk. Therapeutic management is based on various approaches, including positioning, manual therapy, osteopathy, and neurodevelopmental methods. The aim of this case series was to describe the potential use of the Philippi scale for monitoring changes in postural asymmetry in infants with IPA during targeted physiotherapy using Vojta’s reflex locomotion (VRL). Four infants aged 6–10 weeks, referred by a paediatrician for rehabilitation due to asymmetrical head and trunk posture, were included in the study. Assessments were performed three times: before therapy, after 6 weeks of therapy, and immediately after the final therapeutic intervention. The Philippi scale assesses asymmetry using a six-point scale in four items; total scores range from 4 points, corresponding to symmetry, and to 24 points, corresponding to maximum asymmetry. All infants showed a trend toward a reduction in total Philippi scores. Score reductions were 9 points (16 → 7), 8 points (21 → 13), 18 points (23 → 5), and 10 points (15 → 5). Observed changes were reflected in reduced head and trunk asymmetry, improved quality of upper limb support, and overall postural stability. Due to the case-series design, small sample size, absence of a control group, and multifactorial nature of the intervention, the observed changes cannot be interpreted as evidence of a causal effect of VRL alone. Findings suggest that the Philippi scale may be a suitable tool for systematic monitoring of changes in postural asymmetry in infants with IPA in clinical practice.
Keywords:
infantile postural asymmetry – Vojta’s reflex locomotion – Philippi scale
Sources
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Physiotherapist, university degree Rehabilitation Sports medicineArticle was published in
Rehabilitation & Physical Medicine
2026 Issue 1
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