Increasing Quality of Life in Hypotonic Children through Structured Physical Exercise

Abstract

Hypotonicity, or low muscle tone, is a symptom associated with a multitude of different neurologic diseases such as: muscular dystrophy, spinal muscular atrophy, and cerebral palsy. Low muscle tone involves poor motor coordination, postural issues, and rapid fatigue during physical exercise and fine motor movements. Although there is no cure for hypotonia, the symptoms can be diminished through physical and occupational therapy. The long term time and financial costs of physical therapy makes it difficult for families to provide care for their child on a long-term basis. This home exercise plan provides a route to decrease the number of required visits with physical therapists, without decreasing the overall health outcomes.