Development of low postural tone compensatory patterns - predicted dysfunction patterns in upper part of the body

Area of Science:

• Kinesiology
• Human Physiology
• Biomechanics

Background:

• Lower postural tone is not always indicative of central nervous system damage.
• A decrease in deep stabilizing muscle tone can occur within normal ranges.
• This subtle tone reduction can initiate compensatory postural and motor patterns.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the compensatory mechanisms triggered by reduced deep muscle tone.
• To differentiate between active and passive compensation strategies.
• To identify the resulting postural faults associated with these compensation types.

Main Methods:

• Observational analysis of postural and motor patterns.
• Identification of active compensation features (superficial muscle overuse, joint restriction).
• Identification of passive compensation features (skeletal, ligamentous, meniscal reliance, hypermobility).

Main Results:

• Active compensation leads to head translation, elevated shoulder girdle, and increased thoracic kyphosis (spastoidal type).
• Passive compensation results in decreased thoracic kyphosis, sunken chest, and increased joint range of motion (atetoidal type).
• Both compensation types stem from reduced tone in stabilizing muscles, leading to distinct postural deviations.

Conclusions:

• Reduced tone in deep stabilizing muscles initiates a cascade of compensatory mechanisms.
• These mechanisms, whether active or passive, result in specific and identifiable postural faults.
• Understanding these compensatory patterns is crucial for addressing postural deviations not linked to neurological damage.