F34

Diplegic - Moderate to Severe involvement. Good functional strength with minimal limitation or control problems noted in upper limbs and trunk.

Upper extremities - the upper limbs often show normal functional strength. Minimal limitation of range of movement may be present but close to normal follow through and propulsion is observed when throwing. With hand function, normal cylindrical/spherical opposition and prehensile grasp is seen in all sports. Limitation if any is usually apparent only during rapid fine motor tasks. It must be remembered that diplegia implies that there is more spasticity in the lower than the upper extremities. Some involvement spasticity Grade 2 to 1 can be seen particularly in functional movements of the hands, arms and trunk. Slight weakness in fine movements may present problems during the release of a discus and to a lesser extent a javelin. There is even less of a problem with shot.

Trunk - Spasticity Grade 2 to 1. Minimal limitation of trunk movements when throwing. When standing, poor balance is obvious even using assistive devices. In throwing Events the trunk has to make a complicated, forceful and rapid movement. This movement is complicated because it requires co-ordination of rotation, forward and sideways bending (more complicated than required for propulsion).

Lower Extremities - Moderate to severe involvement in both legs Spasticity Grade 4 to 3 usually rendering them non-functional for ambulation over long distances without the use of assistive devices.

Due to the slight spasticity in trunk muscles and the negative influence of the spastic legs, some disturbances may be seen when force and speed are required.

Split Classification between F34 and F35 is considered a matter of preference for Athletes. The rules governing how this preference may be exercised are presented in . A hemiplegic seated Athlete with one functional arm and a free moving trunk is a F34 (see also F33).