Some Studies on Muscle Tone

Clemmesen, Svend

doi:10.1177/003591575104400801

Cited by 27 publications

(9 citation statements)

References 11 publications

(1 reference statement)

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“…The absence of EMG evidence of muscle contractile activity of normal resting muscle (Table 1) has indicated that such clinically recognized tone is caused by intrinsic viscoelastic properties (Walsh, 1992;Simons and Mense, 1998). For example, Clemmesen (1951) was a pioneer exponent of passive muscle tone, in both static and movement functions. He specified that EMG-silent passive tone assists and resists active movements, contributes to synergists and antagonists, and counteracts inertia and external forces, including those of gravity.…”

mentioning

confidence: 99%

Human resting muscle tone (HRMT): Narrative introduction and modern concepts

Masi

Hannon²

2008

Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies

145

127

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Human resting muscle (myofascial) tone (HRMT) is the passive tonus or tension of skeletal muscle that derives from its intrinsic (EMG-silent) molecular viscoelastic properties. The word tone has been used to convey varying clinical and physiological features that have led to confusion and controversy. HRMT is the vital low-level, passive tension, and resistance to stretch that contributes importantly to maintain postural stability in balanced equilibrium positions. In contrast, co-contraction of muscle is an active neuromotor control that provides greater levels of tonus for increased stabilization. Functionally, HRMT is integrated with other passive fascial and ligamentous tensional networks of the body to form a biotensegrity system. This review aims to achieve better understandings of HRMT and its functional roles. Nature is frugal and man's adaptations to gravitational forces and erect postures seemingly evolved mechanisms in skeletal muscle tissues to economically enhance stability. Normal passive muscle tone helps to maintain relaxed standing body posture with minimally increased energy costs (circa 7% over supine), and often for prolonged durations without fatigue. Available data infer polymorphic variations in normal myofascial tone. However, few quantitative studies have been performed to establish normal frequency distributions of degrees of myofascial tone. Clinical experience indicates that persons with certain symptomatic musculoskeletal conditions may have palpably increased resting muscle firmness or hardness (EMG-silent), such as that of the upper trapezius in tension-type headache, and the lumbodorsal extensors (hartspann) in degenerative lumbar disc disease and ankylosing spondylitis. In summary, resting skeletal muscle tone is an intrinsic viscoelastic tension exhibited within the body's kinematic chains. It functions inseparably from fascial (i.e., myofascial) tissues and ligamentous structures. Thus, HRMT is a passive myofascial property which operates within networks of tensional tissues, i.e., biotensegrity. This passive tension is the CNS-independent component resulting from intrinsic molecular interactions of the actomyosin filaments in sarcomeric units of skeletal muscle and myofibroblast cells. The overarching CNS-activated muscle contractions generate far greater tensions transmitted by fascial elements. Interdisciplinary research on HRMT and its biodynamics promises greater effectiveness of clinical practitioners and productivity of investigators, which warrants priority attention.

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mentioning

confidence: 99%

Human resting muscle tone (HRMT): Narrative introduction and modern concepts

Masi

Hannon²

2008

Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies

145

127

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“…, using a concentric needle electrode in the triceps muscle, stated that 'when the muscle is completely relaxed the record shows no electric changes'. Smith (1934), using a similar technique, found that 'with the arm completely at rest no action potentials are heard in the earphones or registered on the recording film', and Clemmesen (1951), during a discussion on the modern concept of muscle tone, stated that 'muscle fibres at rest do not show any potential variations'. Many others (e.g.…”

mentioning

confidence: 99%

A detailed study of the electric potentials recorded over some postural muscles while relaxed and standing

Joseph¹,

Nightingale²,

Williams³

1955

The Journal of Physiology

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“…The EMG literature conclusively shows that the muscles in the resting position do not show motor unit activity. This conclusion is supported, for example in the works of Clemmensen (1951), Ralston & Libet (1953), and Bérzin (1995). In order to have contraction of a motor unity, there is the necessity for depolarization of the motor neuron that commands it and this does not happen when the muscle is in a resting position ( Stolov 1966).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 92%

Electromyographic study of the temporal, masseter and suprahyoid muscles in the mandibular rest position

Faria

Bérzin

1998

J of Oral Rehabilitation

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The temporal muscles (anterior position), and the masseter and suprahyoid muscles were studied electromyographically in 15 subjects with ages ranging from 18 to 35 years, showing normal occlusion (Class I of angle), complete dentition and no dysfunction of the stomatognathic system. The volunteers sat comfortably in a chair, keeping the Frankfurt plane parallel to the floor; the muscles were analysed in the mandibular resting position through a number of stages: with minimum exteroceptive stimuli, relaxation with soft music, abolition of the intrabuccal negative pressure through a plastic tube, stress provoked by an electronic game, disocclusion of posterior teeth using the occlusal splint and finally withdrawal of this device. The electromyographic results were analysed statistically. The samples, were analysed for all of the frequencies of motor units, in a 1-min period. It was found that there were statistically significant difference between the relaxation stages as compared with the withdrawal of negative intraoral pressure and mainly with the stress phase, being this only on the suprahyoid muscles, with 5% significance.

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Some Studies on Muscle Tone

Cited by 27 publications

References 11 publications

Human resting muscle tone (HRMT): Narrative introduction and modern concepts

Human resting muscle tone (HRMT): Narrative introduction and modern concepts

A detailed study of the electric potentials recorded over some postural muscles while relaxed and standing

Electromyographic study of the temporal, masseter and suprahyoid muscles in the mandibular rest position

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