Muscle tone, also known as muscle tension, is the continuous, slight contraction of a muscle. It helps maintain posture, balance, and coordination. To check muscle tone, a healthcare professional will typically use a manual muscle test. This involves moving the limb through its range of motion and assessing the resistance to movement.
Muscle tone is important for overall mobility and function. It can also be an indicator of underlying health conditions. For example, decreased muscle tone may be a sign of a neurological disorder, while increased muscle tone may be a sign of a muscular disorder. Checking muscle tone is a simple and non-invasive way to assess overall health and well-being.