This review summarizes the recent advances in glenohumeral subluxation (GHS) in hemiplegic patients and analyzes the reliability and validity of clinical evaluation and the effectiveness of different treatment approaches. GHS, a common complication of stroke, can be considered an important risk factor for shoulder pain and other problems. GHS is a complex phenomenon, and its pathomechanics are not yet fully understood. Radiographic measurements are considered the best method of quantifying GHS. Clinical evaluation can be useful as screening assessment. Functional electrical stimulation and strapping are effective in an acute stage of hemiplegia; some types of slings have been shown to be effective and may be used together with other strategies. Abbreviations: FES = functional electrical stimulation, GHJ = glenohumeral joint, GHS = glenohumeral subluxation, SP = shoulder pain. This material is the result of work supported with resources and the use of facilities at the University of Florence. * References are listed in "References" section of main body text. † Paci M, Nannetti L, Baccini M, Pasquini J, Rinaldi LA, Taiti PG. Shoulder subluxation after a stroke: relationships with pain and motor recovery. Physiother Res Int. Unpublished observations. Note: Numbers in parentheses indicate range. NA = not available (mean, range, or both), AP = anteroposterior view. * Paci M, Nannetti L, Baccini M, Pasquini J, Rinaldi LA, Taiti PG. Shoulder subluxation after a stroke: relationships with pain and motor recovery. Physiother Res Int. Unpublished observations.

GHS is a factor associated with shoulder pain development and with arm motor recovery and should be treated in the acute stage of hemiplegia.

The results support the validity of the SCP and suggest the need to choose different SCP cutoff criteria (Crit_2 or Crit_3) according to the aim of the evaluation.

PSD is not an influencing factor for motor recovery. Results show a negative impact of PSD on the functional recovery process after discharge and not during hospitalisation. Discharge appears to be critical step for management of PSD.

Immediate effects on the pusher behaviour were observed when using visual and auditory feedback, but not when somatosensory input was used. These results were not maintained to the end of the treatment period. Treatment makes the patient able to use compensatory strategies for functional activities. The long-term effects should be investigated in more depth in the future.