title: Clinical characteristics of hypotonia: a survey of pediatric physical and occupational therapists.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  This study extended previous work on defining characteristics of children with hypotonia.
  
  
  METHODS
  A survey regarding previously identified characteristics of hypotonia, examination tools, interventions, and prognosis was sent to a random sample of 500 physical therapists and 500 occupational therapists.
  
  
  RESULTS
  A total of 268 surveys were returned, for a response rate of 26.8%. Characteristics most frequently observed in children with hypotonia included decreased strength, hypermobile joints, and increased flexibility. Observation was the most commonly cited assessment tool and 85% of those surveyed believe that characteristics of hypotonia improve with therapy.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Despite agreement among physical and occupational therapists on characteristics of hypotonia and potential for improvement, clear clinical guidelines for the diagnosis and quantification of hypotonia have yet to be determined. Research is needed to develop an operational definition of hypotonia, develop valid tests and assess effectiveness of intervention.
authors: Krannert School of Physical Therapy, University of Indianapolis, Indianapolis, Indiana 46227, USA. kmartin@uindy.edu
authors: Kathy
authors: K
authors: Martin
authors: Tiffany
authors: T
authors: Kaltenmark
authors: Amanda
authors: A
authors: Lewallen
authors: Catherine
authors: C
authors: Smith
authors: Aika
authors: A
authors: Yoshida
mesh_terms: D002648:Child; D032921:Consensus; D003625:Data Collection; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009123:Muscle Hypotonia / Q000145:classification / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D009788:Occupational Therapy; D026761:Physical Therapy Specialty