Understand Your Child

Specific Conditions - Low Muscle Tone

What is it?

'Low Muscle Tone' is a condition of abnormally low muscle tone (the amount of tension or resistance to movement in a muscle). Low muscle tone occurs when the length of the resting muscle is slightly longer than typical. This means that the muscle fibres are not overlapping at an optimal level and there are fewer points where the fibres can attach and generate pull on the muscle. As a result the person's muscle needs to go through a greater range of motion and as a result more energy is used. On top of this it often takes greater stimulation for the muscle to activate, which also increases the response time of the muscle and it directly influences the child’s performance abilities. The use of extra energy contributes to the decrease in the child’s endurance.

What are the features of it?
• Decreased strength
• Increased flexibility and movement in joints
• Poor endurance

Common challenges experienced by those with this condition:
• Fatigues quickly
• Poor posture
• Increased flexibility, increasing susceptibility to injuries
• Poor persistence to gross motor tasks
• Lack appropriate body awareness feedback
• Avoids chewy foods
• Preference to engage in sedentary activities

Management strategies that support the child with low muscle tone (at preschool, school or home)
• Reward system

Occupational therapy approaches and activities that can support the individual or their carers include:
• Increase participation in gross motor activities
• Motivation
• Fun/play
• Develop underlying pre-requisite skills such as postural control, endurance and body awareness
• Play based activities to promote longer participation
• Activities that can be graded
• Hard work exercises/games