Which posture is typically seen in a hypertonic child?

Which posture is typically seen in a hypertonic child?

• A. Flexed posture
• B. Extended posture
• C. Neutral posture
• D. Random posture

Answer: (A)

When tone is increased (hypertonia), the muscles that bend joints—the flexors—tend to dominate. This makes joints stay in a bent, tucked position because the flexor muscles are more active and resist lengthening. In hypertonic children, you often see the arms held in flexion at the elbows and wrists, with the trunk sometimes flexed as well, creating a generally flexed posture. An extended or neutral posture would imply stronger extensor tone or normal tone, which isn’t the typical pattern seen with hypertonia. A random posture doesn’t reflect a consistent, muscle-tone-driven pattern.

When tone is increased (hypertonia), the muscles that bend joints—the flexors—tend to dominate. This makes joints stay in a bent, tucked position because the flexor muscles are more active and resist lengthening. In hypertonic children, you often see the arms held in flexion at the elbows and wrists, with the trunk sometimes flexed as well, creating a generally flexed posture. An extended or neutral posture would imply stronger extensor tone or normal tone, which isn’t the typical pattern seen with hypertonia. A random posture doesn’t reflect a consistent, muscle-tone-driven pattern.