A child who always appears lethargic and has poor posture may signal low muscle tone! Two-and-a-half-year-old Xiaofen often sits with poor posture, slouching or leaning to one side. She frequently falls during activities and has been diagnosed with low muscle tone, which affects overall motor development. Experts warn that low muscle tone can be caused by congenital or acquired factors and requires early detection and treatment.
4 Main Causes
Li Yahan, a rehabilitation specialist at New Taipei City Tucheng Hospital, explains that the main causes of low muscle tone include congenital hypotonia, central nervous system abnormalities (e.g., cerebral palsy), genetic disorders (e.g., Down syndrome, Prader-Willi syndrome), and poor postnatal development (e.g., excessive parental protection). Congenital hypotonia or genetic disorders are often diagnosed during infancy, while acquired factors are often overlooked due to mild symptoms.
Congenital hypotonia or genetic disorders can often be diagnosed during infancy. (Image provided by Heho Health)
5 Key Symptoms
Parents can look for the following signs:
- Poor swallowing or chewing ability
- Excessive drooling
- Dislike hard foods
- Open mouth with tongue protrusion
- Delayed motor development (e.g., difficulty climbing stairs or running short distances).
If accompanied by abnormal posture or spinal curvature, which could affect lung function, seek immediate medical attention.
Suggestions for Improvement
In infancy, encourage crawling to strengthen head and trunk muscles as preparation for standing and walking. Children should participate in outdoor activities and reduce the use of electronic devices, aiming for at least 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous exercise daily. Screen time should be avoided entirely for children under 2 years old and limited to 1–2 hours per day for older children.
Hypotonia may be caused by congenital or acquired factors, requiring early detection and treatment. (Image provided by Heho Health)
If a child exhibits a "W" sitting posture or needs hand support to stand up, consult a rehabilitation clinic immediately. Early detection and treatment, combined with incorporating large motor activities into daily life, can effectively strengthen muscle tone, reduce developmental delays, and promote healthier growth.
