Characteristics of Hypotonia in Children: A Consensus Opinion of Pediatric Occupational and Physical Therapists

Martin, Kathy; Inman, Jill; Kirschner, Abby; Deming, Katie; Gumbel, Rachel; Voelker, Lindsey

doi:10.1097/01.pep.0000186506.48500.7c

Cited by 35 publications

(32 citation statements)

References 16 publications

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“…4,5,17,18 Therefore, the purpose of this study was to further develop and begin to confirm the previous study's 21 findings identifying eight clinical characteristics of hypotonia as described by PTs and OTs. These tools are necessary for more accurate documentation of a child's status.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 82%

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Clinical Characteristics of Hypotonia: A Survey of Pediatric Physical and Occupational Therapists

Martin

Kaltenmark²,

Lewallen³

et al. 2007

Pediatric Physical Therapy

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 82%

“…Recently, a study conducted by Martin et al 21 attempted to characterize hypotonia in children. Recently, a study conducted by Martin et al 21 attempted to characterize hypotonia in children.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Clinical Characteristics of Hypotonia: A Survey of Pediatric Physical and Occupational Therapists

Martin

Kaltenmark²,

Lewallen³

et al. 2007

Pediatric Physical Therapy

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“…(2013) introduced the term ‘hypotonia syndrome’, which they defined based on their two previous studies (Martin et al . 2005, 2007), and in their description have drawn on the gross motor milestones as an indicator of developmental norms. Harris (2008) also reiterated the use of developmental tests, and together these serve as examples of norms when assessing hypotonia.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Clinical evaluation of hypotonia is one of the aspects of the diagnostic and therapeutic process that remains subjectively assessed and thus creates an accuracy predicament for practitioners (Martin et al . 2005, 2007). There are currently no standardised assessment tools for children (after infancy and during early childhood) with low muscle tone (Soucy et al .…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

‘Toning’ up hypotonia assessment: A proposal and critique

Govender

Joubert

2016

AJOD

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BackgroundClinical assessment of hypotonia is challenging due to the subjective nature of the initial clinical evaluation. This poses dilemmas for practitioners in gaining accuracy, given that the presentation of hypotonia can be either a non-threatening or malevolent sign. The research question posed was how clinical assessment can be improved, given the current contentions expressed in the scientific literature.ObjectivesThis paper describes the development and critique of a clinical algorithm to aid the assessment of hypotonia.MethodsAn initial exploratory sequential phase, consisting of a systematic review, a survey amongst clinicians and a Delphi process, assisted in the development of the algorithm, which is presented within the framework of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health. The ensuing critique followed a qualitative emergent–systematic focus group design with a purposive sample of 59 clinicians. Data were analysed using semantical content analysis and are presented thematically with analytical considerations.ResultsThis study culminated in the development of an evidence-based clinical algorithm for practice. The qualitative critique of the algorithm considered aspects such as inadequacies, misconceptions and omissions; strengths; clinical use; resource implications; and recommendations.ConclusionsThe first prototype and critique of a clinical algorithm to assist the clinical assessment of hypotonia in children has been described. Barriers highlighted include aspects related to knowledge gaps of clinicians, issues around user-friendliness and formatting concerns. Strengths identified by the critique included aspects related to the evidence-based nature of the criteria within the algorithm, the suitability of the algorithm in being merged or extending current practice, the potential of the algorithm in aiding more accurate decision-making, the suitability of the algorithm across age groups and the logical flow. These findings provide a starting point towards ascertaining the clinical utility of the algorithm as an essential step towards evidence-based praxis.

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“…In some cases, the underlying cause of hypotonia is unknown and is referred to as idiopathic hypotonia. In conjunction with decreased muscle tone, children with hypotonia may also exhibit decreased strength, joint hypermobility, increased flexibility, delayed acquisition of independent walking and abnormal walking patterns [2,16]. Despite these serious orthopaedic and motor problems, there are a limited number of studies that provide an objective, three-dimensional analysis of the walking patterns of children with hypotonia.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Gait Patterns of Children with Idiopathic Hypotonia

Chester

2011

jot

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The characteristics of idiopathic hypotonic gait are poorly understood. The purpose of this study was to identify biomechanical parameters that differentiate between children with hypotonia and an age-matched control group. Twelve children with idiopathic hypotonia, aged 6-13 years, participated in the study. Twenty-two children with no known disorders, aged 6-13 years, served as a control group. A 6-camera Vicon MCam and three force plates were used to collect kinematic and kinetic data during gait. Significant differences in the mean kinematic and kinetic values between groups were tested using a MANOVA. No significant group differences were found for any temporal-spatial variables. Significant group differences (P < .05) were found for sagittal ankle angle and moment, sagittal knee angle and moment, and sagittal hip angle. The majority of deviations appear to be related to impairments in the gastrocnemius complex. A greater awareness of gait deviations in this population will increase our understanding of the disorder and aid in treatment planning.

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Characteristics of Hypotonia in Children: A Consensus Opinion of Pediatric Occupational and Physical Therapists

Abstract: An objective tool for defining and quantifying hypotonia does not exist. A preliminary characterization of children with hypotonia was established, but further research is needed to achieve objectivity and clarity.

Cited by 35 publications

References 16 publications

Clinical Characteristics of Hypotonia: A Survey of Pediatric Physical and Occupational Therapists

Clinical Characteristics of Hypotonia: A Survey of Pediatric Physical and Occupational Therapists

‘Toning’ up hypotonia assessment: A proposal and critique

Gait Patterns of Children with Idiopathic Hypotonia

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