Problems Associated with the Loss of Selective Trunk Activity in Hemiplegia

Abstract

Hemiplegia, whatever its cause, is characterised by the loss of motor control on one side of the body. The typical inability to move the arm and leg, the development of spasticity in mass patterns and movement in stereotyped synergies have been clearly documented (B. Bobath 1978, Brunstrom 1970; Charness 1986, Davies 1985; Perry 1969). In addition, however, there is a most significant loss of selective activity in the muscles controlling the trunk, particularly in those muscles responsible for flexion, rotation and lateral flexion.