Low muscle tone is the condition with abnormally low muscle tone and problems with the amount of resistance or tension to the movement in a muscle. If the length of the resting muscle is slightly longer than typical, low muscle tone may occur. As a result, a person’s muscles want to move a greater range of motion and the person should need more energy.

Common Features of Low Muscle Tone

• Decreased body strength
• Increased movement in the joints and flexibility
• Poor endurance

Difficulties present with low muscle tone

• Inappropriate posture
• Increased susceptibility to the injuries
• Increased flexibility of the body
• Decreased gross motor activities
• Lack of body awareness and getting feedback
• Dislike chewy foods
• Likes to engage in sedentary activities

Strategies that support the child with low muscle tone

• Rewards
• Setting a school desk
• Encourage the child
• Simplify the activities to get a better success
• Additional time for completing activities /tasks
• To know and reinforce the child’s strengths

Occupational Therapy Approaches and Activities

An Occupational therapist has a great deal to do with children having low muscle tone.

What will happen if low muscle tone is untreated

The child may have the following difficulties,

• Difficulty in managing at school due to poor endurance and strength
• Difficulty in speech
• Increased health-related difficulties such as obesity, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes
• Lack of self-esteem and confidence
• Difficulty in fine motor skills due to decreased core stability and decreased base of support.
• Difficulty in completing the self-care tasks
• Increased anxiety and stress lead to reaching their academic potential
• Difficulty in academic performance such as reading, writing, and coping
• Difficulty to complete academic tasks and tests.

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