Which of the following is not a tool used to assess muscle tone?

• A. GMFM
• B. Modified Ashworth Scale
• C. Tardieu Scale
• D. Myotonometer

Answer: (A)

This item is about telling apart measures that quantify muscle tone from those that assess functional motor abilities. Muscle tone refers to the resistance a muscle shows to passive stretch, influenced by neural and non-neural factors. The Modified Ashworth Scale measures resistance to passive movement, giving an impression of spasticity and tone. The Tardieu Scale adds velocity to assess how resistance changes with faster stretches and identifies the angle of muscle arrest, helping separate neural from mechanical components of tone. A myotonometer provides an objective, quantitative readout of the muscle’s mechanical properties, directly measuring aspects of tone. In contrast, the Gross Motor Function Measure evaluates functional motor tasks (like sitting, standing, walking) and does not directly quantify muscle tone. Therefore, GMFM is not a tool used to assess muscle tone.