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Quantitative evaluation of normal muscle tone

F Pisano1, G Miscio, R Colombo

  • 1Unit of Neurophysiology, Fondazione Salvatore Maugeri Clinica del Lavoro e della Riabilitazione, IRCCS, Italy.

Journal of the Neurological Sciences
|February 1, 1996
PubMed
Summary

This study introduces objective methods to measure muscle tone using electromyographic (EMG) activity. New indices like intrinsic stiffness index (ISI) and total stiffness index (TSI) reliably assess normal muscle tone variations.

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Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Biomedical Engineering
  • Kinesiology

Background:

  • Muscle tone is crucial for motor control and posture.
  • Objective quantification of muscle tone is essential for clinical assessment.
  • Existing methods for muscle tone assessment have limitations.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To objectively quantify muscle tone in normal subjects.
  • To introduce and validate new indices for muscle tone assessment.
  • To explore variations in muscle tone related to gender and stretch reflex.

Main Methods:

  • Electromyographic (EMG) activity of forearm muscles was recorded in 48 subjects.
  • Wrist movements were imposed using a torque motor at different speeds.
  • Intrinsic stiffness index (ISI), total stiffness index (TSI), and stretch reflex threshold speed (SRTS) were measured.

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Main Results:

  • No stretch reflex (SR) was observed in approximately half of the subjects.
  • Males exhibited higher intrinsic stiffness index (ISI) compared to females (p < 0.001).
  • Significant differences in total stiffness index (TSI) were found between subjects with and without SR (p < 0.02).

Conclusions:

  • ISI, TSI, and SRTS are reliable indices for quantitative assessment of normal muscle tone.
  • Muscle tone exhibits variations influenced by gender and the presence of a stretch reflex.
  • These objective measures can aid in the clinical evaluation of neuromuscular function.