Difference Between Muscle Tone and Muscle Strength - Testbook.com

Last Updated on Jul 31, 2023
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Muscle tone and muscle strength, though seemingly similar, are fundamentally distinct terms related to muscle contraction and tension. While muscle tone provides stiffness to our muscles, muscle strength empowers us to perform physical activities.

While the differences between muscle tone and strength might not seem numerous, the four main distinctions are outlined in the table below:

Muscle Tone
Muscle Strength
Definition
Muscle tone refers to the tension in muscles when they are at rest. Muscle strength involves the force exerted by muscles during physical activity.
Conscious/Unconscious
Muscle tone is an unconscious process. Muscle strength is a conscious effort applied during physical activities.
Function
Muscle tone is crucial for maintaining posture, balance, and reflexes and for providing stiffness to our muscles. High muscle strength allows for flexibility and the ability to perform strenuous physical activities such as running and lifting.
Related Diseases
  • Hypertonia
  • Hypotonia

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Frequently Asked Questions

Damage to the central nervous system, some form of trauma, environmental factors or genetic faults can lead to poor muscle tone.

High muscle tone is increased tension in your muscles. The body becomes stiff, and it gets difficult to move your hands or legs.

With the help of physical therapy, it is possible to make the stiffness caused by high muscle tone go away.

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