Measurement of aortic pulse wave velocity (PWV) is a noninvasive method for assessing arterial stiffening in atherosclerosis. In hemiplegics, disuse of the affected limb is associated with the muscle wasting leading to development of local atherosclerosis. The brachial-ankle aortic PWV (baPWV) is an indicator of early stage disuse syndrome, and is measured with a device that is particularly useful in elderly hemiplegics.