Hemiparesis (one-sided weakness)
Weakness affecting one side of the body, the most common physical effect of stroke, ranging from mild to severe depending on the extent of brain injury.
Physical effects following stroke vary widely depending on severity and location, ranging from mild coordination changes to significant one-sided weakness affecting mobility and daily function.
Because stroke can affect multiple systems simultaneously, physical effects are often addressed alongside speech, cognitive, and swallowing considerations as part of a comprehensive rehabilitation plan.
Relative clinical burden
Hemiparesis (one-sided weakness)75
Spasticity40
Gait abnormalities60
Sensory impairment45
Post-stroke shoulder pain30
Falls and balance deficits50
Common conditions
Spasticity
Increased muscle tone and stiffness that can develop in the weeks to months after stroke, sometimes complicating movement and positioning if not addressed.
Gait abnormalities
Changes in walking pattern related to weakness, spasticity, or balance deficits, often requiring specific gait retraining as part of rehabilitation.
Sensory impairment
Reduced sensation or altered perception on the affected side, which can impact balance, safety awareness, and fine motor control.
Post-stroke shoulder pain
Pain in the affected shoulder, often related to weakness, altered positioning, or reduced movement, common during the recovery period if not proactively managed.
Falls and balance deficits
Elevated fall risk related to combined weakness, sensory changes, and balance impairment, making balance-specific rehabilitation a priority for many stroke survivors.
Because these physical effects frequently overlap and interact — for example, weakness contributing to both gait changes and fall risk — rehabilitation typically addresses them together within an integrated program rather than in isolation.