Muscle Essay

6. MUSCLE TONE

Muscle tone or tonus is the continuous and passive partial contraction of the muscle during resting state. The tone is considered normal when there is right amount of tension in the muscles when at rest, and the muscle is inherently able to contract on command.

PURPOSE OF MUSCLE TONE

• To keep muscles primed and ready for use

• To generate heat and keep muscle healthy

• To maintain balance and posture

• To allow a quick unconscious muscle reflex reaction to any sudden muscle fiber stretch

FACTORS THAT AFFECT MUSCLE TONE

• Age

• Muscle length

• Gender

• Weight

• Level of exercise

• Point of tendon insertion

ASSESSMENT OF MUSCLE TONE

The assessment starts by asking the patient to relax completely while the examiner moves each

7. MUSCLE STRENGTH

Muscle strength is ability to exert full amount of force within a short period of time. It is one of the component of physical fitness, and muscular strength provide several health benefits. There are determinants for the amount of muscle strength that can be achieved, they are:

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During extension, the weak limbs drift downward with tremor and other involuntary movements. The specific muscle group strength is tested against resistance, and one side of the body is compared with the other. However, sometimes the pain might not let you know the full effort during strength testing. When the weakness is factitious or hysterical , resistance to movement may be first of all normal, later followed with sudden giving way, or supporting muscles may not be used appropriately. Example is in a case of patient with deltoid weakness, accessory muscles is used by the patient to tilt the trunk and neck away from the weak deltoid so as to prevent the examiner from overcoming their weakness. A decreased in arm swing while walking , pronator drifted in an outstretched arm, decreased spontaneous use of a limb, an externally rotated leg, slowing of rapid alternating movements, or impaired dexterity, are all indication of subtle