If a serious injury prevents movement of a person's arms and legs, what is this condition known as?

The condition where a serious injury prevents movement of a person's arms and legs is known as quadriplegia. This condition results from damage to the spinal cord in the cervical region, leading to a loss of sensory and motor function in all four limbs—arms and legs. Individuals with quadriplegia may also suffer from additional complications related to the spinal injury, impacting their daily living and requiring comprehensive care and rehabilitation.

In contrast, paraplegia refers specifically to the loss of movement and sensation in the lower half of the body, typically affecting the legs, and is a result of spinal injuries at the thoracic level or lower. Hemiplegia affects only one side of the body, often resulting from brain injuries or strokes, leading to functional impairments on the affected side. Monoplegia involves the loss of function in a single limb, usually due to localized nerve or muscle issues.

Understanding these distinctions is crucial in kinesiology, as they directly relate to the types of injuries and the resulting rehabilitation strategies.