Which statement best describes the presentation of hypertonicity?

Which statement best describes the presentation of hypertonicity?

• A. Decreased resistance to passive stretch
• B. Increased resistance to passive stretch
• C. No resistance to stretch
• D. Variable resistance depending on movement

Answer: (B)

Hypertonicity means the muscle is unusually tense, so when you passively move a limb the muscle offers more resistance than normal. That increased resistance to passive stretch is the defining feature, making movements feel stiff and harder to lengthen. In contrast, decreased resistance points to hypotonia, and no resistance suggests flaccidity. Some hypertonic conditions—like spasticity—can show resistance that depends on how fast you move, but the key idea is the overall greater-than-normal resistance to passive stretch.

Hypertonicity means the muscle is unusually tense, so when you passively move a limb the muscle offers more resistance than normal. That increased resistance to passive stretch is the defining feature, making movements feel stiff and harder to lengthen. In contrast, decreased resistance points to hypotonia, and no resistance suggests flaccidity. Some hypertonic conditions—like spasticity—can show resistance that depends on how fast you move, but the key idea is the overall greater-than-normal resistance to passive stretch.