Motor System
Tone
BACKGROUND
Testing muscle tone is a very important indicator of the presence and site of pathology. It can be surprisingly difficult to evaluate.
WHAT TO DO
Ensure the patient is relaxed, or at least distracted by conversation. Repeat each movement at different speeds.
Arms
Legs
Tone at the hip
Tone at the knee
WHAT YOU FIND
• Normal: slight resistance through whole range of movements. Heel will lift minimally off the bed.
– Patient apparently opposes your attempts to move his limb: Gegenhalten or paratonia.
