Low muscle tone
What is it?
Muscle tone refers to the level of tension a muscle exerts to enable our bodies to maintain different positions and postures. Changes in muscle tone allow us to move around. Hypotonia, also known as “low muscle tone”, describes muscles that have less tension through them; the muscles feel “floppy”.
Children with low muscle tone may need to exert more energy when doing physical activities and tasks.
Does low muscle tone mean muscle weakness?
No, low tone does not mean weakness. A child with low muscle tone may need to work harder to turn their muscles on to maintain their posture but are generally able to perform all the same motor skills as their peers.
When should I be concerned?
If the child has difficulties with keeping up with their peers, gets tired quickly, trips or falls over, then there may be an overlap between their low muscle tone and reduced strength and an assessment with a paediatric physiotherapist would be recommended. Children with low muscle tone and low muscle strength may present with:
- Slouched posture e.g. sitting or standing with slouched back, leaning against wall/table for support
- Feeling tired and having low tolerance for physical activities e.g. during walking, running, playing sport with peers etc.
- Decreased coordination and balance/appearing “clumsy” e.g. trips/falls easily, challenges with catching/throwing/kicking a ball, difficulties with balancing on one leg…
- Avoiding physical activities and preferring sedentary activities
- Delays in gross motor skills
- Delays in speech and communication skills
- Delays in fine motor skills
Interesting Fact!
Low muscle tone not only affects the muscles required for movement and posture, but it also affects the mouth and tongue, hands and fingers, and can contribute to “flat feet”. If your child sees a speech pathologist and/or occupational therapist and low muscle tone have been identified, your child may benefit from a formal assessment by a physiotherapist.
