Muscle tone

Question 1

Assessment for muscle tone+ what will be measured?

Answer 1

modified Ashworth scale
–> measure the increase of muscle tone

Question 2

muscle tone following stroke+Tx

Answer 2

upper motor neuron (=Spastic)

• Stretching and ROM exercises
• Splints –> prevent contractures
• Bed positioning:
  Side lying allows for normal postural positioning to minimize the effects of increased muscle tone. The use of a pillow under the top upper extremity allows the shoulder to be positioned in neutral.

Question 3

muscle tone following SCI

Answer 3

at level of lesion: lower motor neuron sign (=flaccid/weakness)

below level of lesion: upper motor neuron sign (=spastic)

• Stretching and ROM exercises
• Splints –> prevent contractures
• Positioning that does not trigger spasticity

Question 4

muscle tone following MS

Answer 4

upper motor neuron (=Spastic)

• Stretching and ROM exercises
• Splints –> prevent contractures
• positioning that does not trigger spasticity

Question 5

muscle tone following CP

Answer 5

i. Spasticity: increased flexor or extensor tone

ii. Athetosis: fluctuation of tone from
low to normal with little spasticity

iii. Choreoathetosis: constant fluctuations from low to high tone, without co-contractions;
typically appears as jerky movements

iv. Flaccidity: marked low tone (will usually progress to spasticity)

v. Ataxia: tone usually within the normal range but involving lower extremity flexion patterns

Spasticity:
- Stretching and ROM exercises
- Splints –> prevent contractures
- positioning that does not trigger spasticity

Flaccidity:
- strengthen muscles

Question 6

muscle tone following TBI

Answer 6

usually after 6 months
upper motor neuron (=Spastic)

• Stretching and ROM exercises
• Splints –> prevent contractures
• positioning that does not trigger spasticity

Question 7

Muscle tone following Down syndrome

Answer 7

Hypotonia
- muscle strengthening
- positioning during certain tasks e.g. specially adapted chairs to use at school