Unilateral Dependence is associated with which stage?

• A. Stage 1
• B. Stage 2
• C. Stage 3
• D. Stage 4

Answer: (A)

Unilateral dependence is best understood in the context of motor recovery after a central nervous system event, where one side of the body is paralyzed or impaired. In the earliest stage of this motor recovery sequence, the affected limb is flaccid, with no voluntary movement, so the person is completely dependent on others for any movement or function of that limb. This makes the limb rely entirely on the unaffected side and caregiver support. As recovery progresses, movement begins to appear and gradually improves, moving through stages where the person gains more independent control. Therefore, the scenario described by unilateral dependence aligns with the first stage, when the limb is not yet capable of purposeful movement. The later stages involve increasing movement and independence, so unilateral dependence would not characterize them.