Question

An OTR uses a neurodevelopmental therapy approach and inhibition techniques in preparation for a dressing activity with an individual who has a traumatic brain injury with resulting hypertonicity. Which choice BEST illustrates inhibition techniques for hypertonia using a neurodevelopmental therapy approach?

1) Light stroking of the hypertonic muscle and heavy joint compression
2) Fast brushing over the involved muscle bellies
3) Weight-bearing or light joint compression of the affected extremity
4) Tapping the tendons or the muscle bellies of the hypertonic muscles

Answer 1

Option 3, which involves weight-bearing or light joint compression, is the best inhibition technique for hypertonia using a neurodevelopmental therapy approach, as it helps modulate muscle tone and encourages relaxation of hypertonic muscles.

Step-by-step explanation:

The question asks which technique best illustrates inhibition techniques for hypertonia using a neurodevelopmental therapy approach for an individual with traumatic brain injury. Among the provided options, weight-bearing or light joint compression of the affected extremity is recognized as an inhibitory technique to address hypertonia in neurodevelopmental therapy (NDT). NDT is used to facilitate normal movement patterns and inhibit or discourage abnormal patterns, such as those seen in spasticity resulting from hypertonia.

Option 3, which involves weight-bearing or light joint compression, best matches the principles of NDT and is known to provide proprioceptive input that can help to modulate muscle tone. This proprioceptive input, provided by weight-bearing and joint compression, can encourage relaxation of the hypertonic muscles and is therefore considered an inhibitory technique suitable for individuals with hypertonia.