Brunnstrom Stages
Characteristics of Stage 7
Normal motor function is restored with return of fine motor skills. Recovery is complete.
Characteristics of Stage 1
Period of flaccidity immediately following the acute episode. No voluntary or reflex activity. Use of slings for UE to decrease shoulder subluxation.
Characteristics of Stage 3
Patient gains voluntary control of the movement synergies, although the full range of synergies may not always develop. Spasticity has further increased and reach its peak and may become severe.
Characteristics of Stage 5
If progress continues, more complex movement patterns are learned as the basic limb synergies lose their dominance over the motor acts. Spasticity continues to decline.
Characteristics of Stage 2
As recovery begins, basic limb synergies may appear as associated reactions or minimal voluntary movement responses may be present. Spasticity begins to develop.
Characteristics of Stage 6
Spasticity disappears, individual joint movements become possible, and coordination approaches normal. Isolated movements and combinations of movements are evident.
Characteristics of Stage 4
Some movement patterns out of the synergy are developed and limited combinations of movement may be evident. Spasticity begins to decline.