Postural Tone
Postural Tone - Related Videos
10:41
Method to Measure Tone of Axial and Proximal Muscle
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Cited by 5 •
2011
We have developed a device (Twister) to study the regulation of tonic muscle activity during active postural maintenance. Twister measures torsional resistance and muscular responses in standing subjects during twisting of the body axis. The device can be flexibly configured to study various aspects of tonic control across the neck, trunk, and/or hips.
01:12
Alterations in Muscle Tone ll
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2026
Alterations in muscle tone are common manifestations of neurological disorders and reflect dysfunction within different nervous system regions. Spasticity, paratonia, and dystonia represent distinct forms of hypertonia, each with unique mechanisms, clinical features, and diagnostic importance.CharacteristicsSpasticity happens from upper motor neuron lesions and is characterized by velocity-dependent resistance to passive movement. Clinical features include:Exaggerated deep tendon reflexesClonus...
01:11
Alterations in Muscle Tone lll
0 Views •
2026
Rigidity and myotonia are distinct abnormalities of muscle tone that affect resistance and relaxation during movement. Although both involve altered muscle contraction, they arise from different neurological and muscular mechanisms.CharacteristicsRigidity is characterized by uniform resistance to passive movement across the entire range, independent of speed, affecting flexors and extensors equally. It may appear as lead-pipe rigidity (smooth, constant resistance) or cogwheel rigidity...
09:37
Substantiating Appropriate Motion Capture Techniques for the Assessment of Nordic Walking Gait and Posture in Older Adults
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Cited by 5 •
2016
The aim was to substantiate optimal use of data collection techniques for Nordic walking gait and posture analysis. Three-dimensional motion capture should be used during short duration analysis (i.e. single gait cycle), while accelerometry should be employed for longer duration analysis (i.e. repeated cycles) like a 6 Minute Walk Test.
14:52
Computerized Dynamic Posturography for Postural Control Assessment in Patients with Intermittent Claudication
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Cited by 57 •
2013
Individuals with intermittent claudication exhibit poor balance compared to healthy controls. Computerized dynamic posturography is an objective method for measuring an individual's postural responses to balance disturbances. This provides an objective reflection of the person’s ability to respond to situations under which sensory stimuli are altered and unexpected perturbations occur.
FAQs
Muscle spindles, joints, the vestibular system, and the brain provide continuing information about body position and movement. Neural control uses these signals to adjust muscle contraction as alignment changes, helping maintain stability rather than relying on a fixed level of activity. This feedback-based regulation allows posture to adapt during both rest and movement.
Gravity continually challenges the body's alignment, so postural tone must provide ongoing support even when a person is not intentionally moving. Neural adjustments modify muscle activity as position changes, helping preserve stability during transitions and movement. If this regulation becomes abnormal, clinicians may observe impaired balance or altered control of body position.
Increased tone and reduced tone represent different abnormalities in the regulation of muscle activity. Either pattern can interfere with alignment, stability, or movement, but they may point toward different clinical findings and neurological concerns. Comparing tone during examination helps clinicians characterize motor function and recognize patterns associated with conditions such as spasticity, hypotonia, cerebral palsy, or stroke.
Assessment focuses on motor development, balance, alignment, and nervous system function rather than on muscle activity alone. Clinicians observe how a person maintains position and adapts during movement, while noting whether tone appears unusually increased or reduced. These findings contribute to examination and can support diagnostic reasoning, rehabilitation planning, and follow-up.
Abnormal tone may signal disruption in the neural systems that regulate posture and movement. Increased or reduced tone can accompany spasticity, hypotonia, cerebral palsy, stroke, or other neurological disorders. Because tone is considered alongside motor development and balance, its pattern can help clinicians evaluate nervous system function rather than serving as an isolated finding.
Clinical tone findings help shape rehabilitation planning by identifying problems with stability, alignment, balance, or motor control. Reassessment over time allows clinicians to monitor whether these findings change during care. This makes postural tone useful for tracking clinical outcomes and for judging how neurological or developmental motor problems affect functional progress.