MOVEMENT ANALYSIS OF KIDS WITH ALTERED
MUSCLE TONE EXAM 2025/2026 QUESTIONS WITH
ANSWERS GRADED A+
Characteristics of generalized hypotonia - - Cannot generate higher levels of tone
-Primary problem - lack of coactivation leads to poor grading of motor performance
- Often use extremities as props - dependent on ligamentous stability
- Can initiate, but not sustain- Phasic bursts of movement
What's the etiology of Spastic Quadriplegia / Diplegia - Lesion of motor cortex; clinical
presentation dependent on degree of damage
Diplegia - increased tone LE > UE
asymmetries usually present
Quadriplegia - relatively = hypertonia of all ext
hypotonia - a condition in which there is diminished tone of the skeletal muscles
spasticity - A condition of increased muscular tone causing stiff and awkward movements
ataxia - inability to perform coordinated movements
athetosis - slow, writhing involuntary movements
With hypotonia, would you see increased or decreased ROM? - Increased ROM
(hypermobilility!)
Describe prone posture of a child with hypotonia: - scapular winging, hyperextended on
extended arms, shoulders elevates, entire trunk lacks coactivation
What will reflexes be like in hypotonic children? - No persistent tonic reflexes (ATNR, STNR)
Movement patterns will NOT be dominated by stereotypical reflex patterns
Describe a typical gait pattern of hypotonic kids: - Heavy gait with foot slap
Hypotonic children will have (fast/slow)________transitions between movements - RAPID, fast
transitions btw positions
What behavior is often associated with hypotonicity? - mental retardation
Hypertonicity is _________-dependent - velocity
MUSCLE TONE EXAM 2025/2026 QUESTIONS WITH
ANSWERS GRADED A+
Characteristics of generalized hypotonia - - Cannot generate higher levels of tone
-Primary problem - lack of coactivation leads to poor grading of motor performance
- Often use extremities as props - dependent on ligamentous stability
- Can initiate, but not sustain- Phasic bursts of movement
What's the etiology of Spastic Quadriplegia / Diplegia - Lesion of motor cortex; clinical
presentation dependent on degree of damage
Diplegia - increased tone LE > UE
asymmetries usually present
Quadriplegia - relatively = hypertonia of all ext
hypotonia - a condition in which there is diminished tone of the skeletal muscles
spasticity - A condition of increased muscular tone causing stiff and awkward movements
ataxia - inability to perform coordinated movements
athetosis - slow, writhing involuntary movements
With hypotonia, would you see increased or decreased ROM? - Increased ROM
(hypermobilility!)
Describe prone posture of a child with hypotonia: - scapular winging, hyperextended on
extended arms, shoulders elevates, entire trunk lacks coactivation
What will reflexes be like in hypotonic children? - No persistent tonic reflexes (ATNR, STNR)
Movement patterns will NOT be dominated by stereotypical reflex patterns
Describe a typical gait pattern of hypotonic kids: - Heavy gait with foot slap
Hypotonic children will have (fast/slow)________transitions between movements - RAPID, fast
transitions btw positions
What behavior is often associated with hypotonicity? - mental retardation
Hypertonicity is _________-dependent - velocity
