There are eight different types of physical impairments. These are
• Impaired Muscle Power: In this impairment, the force generated by muscles, such as the muscles of one limb, one side of the body or the lower half of the body is reduced. For e.g., spinal cord injury, spina bifida and post-polio syndrome.
• Impaired Passive Range of Movement: In this impairment, range of movement in
one or more joints is reduced in a systematic way. Acute conditions such as arthritis are not included in this category.
• Loss of Limb or Limb Deficiency: In this impairment, a total or partial absence of
bones or joints from partial or total loss due to illness, trauma, or congenital limb deficiency can be observed. For e.g., amputation and dysmelia.
• Leg-length Difference: In this impairment, significant bone shortening occurs in one leg due to congenital deficiency or trauma.
• Short Stature: In this impairment, standing height is reduced due to shortened legs, arms and trunk, which are due to a musculoskeletal deficit of bone or cartilage structures. For e.g., achondroplasia, growth hormone deficiency, osteogenesis imperfecta.
• Hypertonia: In this impairment, hypertonia is marked by an abnormal increase in muscle tension and reduced ability of a muscle to stretch. Hypertonia may result from injury, disease, or conditions which involve damage to the central nervous system. For e.g., cerebral palsy.
• Ataxia: Ataxia is an impairment that consists of a lack of coordination of muscle movements. For e.g., cerebral palsy, Friedreich's ataxia, multiple sclerosis.
• Athetosis: Athetosis is generally characterised by unbalanced, involuntary movements and a difficulty maintaining a symmetrical posture. For e.g., cerebral palsy, choreoathetosis.