Hypertonicity may present with which resting posture of the limbs?

Hypertonicity may present with which resting posture of the limbs?

• A. Extremities in normal relaxed position
• B. Extremities flexed at all times
• C. Flexed or extended extremities in resting position
• D. Only during movement

Answer: (C)

Hypertonicity involves a sustained increase in muscle tone that is present even at rest, so limbs don’t settle into a normal relaxed position. Instead, they may be held in abnormal postures—often flexed in the upper extremities or extended in the lower extremities—because the heightened tone resists lengthening and maintains a specific alignment. This resting posture reflects the pattern of increased tone across muscle groups, not just changes that occur with movement. That’s why describing resting extremities as flexed or extended best captures how hypertonicity presents. A normal relaxed position would imply no excess tone, limiting the concept to a non-hypertonic state. Saying it’s only during movement ignores the resting-state aspect of hypertonicity.

Hypertonicity involves a sustained increase in muscle tone that is present even at rest, so limbs don’t settle into a normal relaxed position. Instead, they may be held in abnormal postures—often flexed in the upper extremities or extended in the lower extremities—because the heightened tone resists lengthening and maintains a specific alignment. This resting posture reflects the pattern of increased tone across muscle groups, not just changes that occur with movement. That’s why describing resting extremities as flexed or extended best captures how hypertonicity presents. A normal relaxed position would imply no excess tone, limiting the concept to a non-hypertonic state. Saying it’s only during movement ignores the resting-state aspect of hypertonicity.