Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 26, 2026
10:41
Method to Measure Tone of Axial and Proximal Muscle
Published on: December 14, 2011
18.0K
'Toning' up hypotonia assessment: A proposal and critique
Pragashnie Govender1, Robin W E Joubert1
1Discipline of Occupational Therapy, School of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.
African Journal of Disability
|July 22, 2017
Summary
This study developed an evidence-based clinical algorithm to improve the accuracy of hypotonia assessment in children. The algorithm
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Neurology
- Clinical Assessment Tools
- Evidence-Based Practice
Background:
- Clinical assessment of hypotonia is challenging due to subjective evaluations.
- Hypotonia presentation can be ambiguous, creating diagnostic dilemmas.
- Existing literature highlights contentions in current assessment methods.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and critique a clinical algorithm for hypotonia assessment.
- To improve the accuracy and objectivity of hypotonia diagnosis.
- To provide a structured approach for clinicians evaluating hypotonia.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review, clinician survey, and Delphi process to develop the algorithm.
- Algorithm presented within the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health framework.
- Qualitative focus group critique with 59 clinicians analyzed via semantical content analysis.
Main Results:
- An evidence-based clinical algorithm for hypotonia assessment was developed.
- Critique identified strengths such as evidence base and suitability for integration.
- Barriers included knowledge gaps, user-friendliness, and formatting.
Conclusions:
- A prototype clinical algorithm for pediatric hypotonia assessment was created and critiqued.
- The algorithm shows potential for aiding accurate decision-making and integrating into practice.
- Further research is needed to ascertain the clinical utility and evidence-based praxis.
