Tone Flashcards
What is muscle tone
Resistance when a joint is moved passively
What is postural tone
The background level of activity of tone thought the body
What effects tone?
Extent and site of lesion Pain ⬆️ Tiredness⬇️ Medication, nutrition ⬆️⬇️ Other pathologies ⬇️ Oedema Anxiety, depression, frustration⬆️ Therapeutic handling Temperature Noise⬆️
How to treat high tone:
Environment: Therapists approach: Base of support: Centre of gravity: Handling: Support: Speed:
Environment: warm, quiet, relaxing Therapists approach: quiet, calming Base of support: large Centre of gravity: low Handling: lots, slow, calming Support: lots Speed: slow
How to treat low tone:
Environment: Therapists approach: Base of support: Centre of gravity: Handling: Support: Speed:
Environment: stimulating, cool Therapists approach: fun, loud, firm Base of support: small Centre of gravity: high Handling: brisk, stimulating Support: minimal Speed: fast
Characteristics of high tone are:
Hypertonicity
Spasticity
Rigidity
Characteristics of low tone are:
Hypotonicity
Flaccidity
Ataxia
What is hypotonicity
Lack of resistance to passive movement
Floppy arm
What is spasticity
Increase in resistance to passive movement
Upper limb: flexor characteristics
Lower limb: extensor characteristics
What is rigidity
Increased stiffness thought passive movement
What is ataxia
Loss of full control of body movements, incoordination
What is flaccidity
Loosely hanging
Abnormal tone results in:
Abnormal postures Impaired balance Loss of normal movement Poor coordination Abnormal movement patterns Loss of functional ability Secondary msk problems
How would you assess tone?
Observation:
-movement: does tone change?
- posture: symmetry, alignment, muscle activity, compensations
Palpation/handling - PROM
Special tests - reflexes, ROM, muscle strength
How do you record abnormal tone
Tone diagram
Modified Ashworth scale: complete ROM and grade:
0 = no increase in tone
1= some resistance + catch
3= considerable increase in tone throughout ROM
4= affected part(s) rigid in flex/ext
Muscle strength
What is the management of abnormal tone
Maintain soft tissue length Maintain joint alignment Prevent muscle shortening Regain muscle length Regain muscle alignment
By
PROM
Positioning
Massage
What are the two types of muscle tone?
Muscle tone
Postural tone
