Abstract

NAIDOO, Pragashnie. Current practices in the assessment of hypotonia in children. S. Afr. j. occup. ther. [online]. 2013, vol.43, n.2, pp.12-17. ISSN 2310-3833.

The assessment of muscle tone is a fundamental component of the neurological examination of infants and children and is often crucial in the establishment of an accurate diagnosis and appropriate management. However, the accurate identification and quantification of muscle tone, particularly in the clinical setting continues to pose a challenge for clinicians. An electronic survey was used to determine the current practices of Paediatric Occupational Therapists, Physiotherapists, Paediatric Neurologists and Paediatricians in the assessment of hypotonia. Three hundred and nineteen (319) responses were eligible for data analysis utilising SPSS 18. Results are described descriptively and indicate that practices vary. The need for more objective measures in assessment was also strongly indicated.

Keywords : hypotonia; clinical characteristics; assessment methods.

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