Hemiplegia is defined as paralysis on one side of the body caused by brain damage, while hemi- paresis is weakness or partial paralysis on one side of the body caused by brain damage, usually opposite the site of the cerebral vascular accident (CVA) or other brain injury (Woodsen, 2008, p. 1002). Certain impairments are associated with lesions in a particular hemisphere. For ex- ample, left CVA may cause right hemiparesis, aphasia or other communication deficits, and/or apraxia or motor planning deficits. Right CVA may result in left hemiparesis, visual field deficits or spatial neglect, poor insight and judgment, and/or impulsive behavior.
This focuses on articles that discuss topics in relation to hemiplegia or hemiparesis. The topics most discussed are grip or grasp strength and force, reaching, shoulder pain, and bilateral movement. Other topics discussed include biofeedback, botulinum toxin A, constraint- induced movement therapy, contractures, fine-motor control, functional electrical stimulation, haptic training, neuroprosthesis training, physical fitness, postural stabilization, virtual reality, weight bearing, and wheelchair use.