Study describes multi-joint torque patterns associated with the performance of maximum voluntary contractions at the shoulder and elbow in both healthy subjects and subjects with hemiparesis after stroke. Maximum voluntary torques were generated isometrically in 4 random ordered blocks consisting of elbow flexion/extension, shoulder flexion/extension, should abduction/adduction, and shoulder external/internal rotation. A 6-degree-of-freedom (DOF) load cell was used to measure torques in secondary DOFs at the elbow and shoulder, as well as in the torque direction the subject was attempting to maximize. Significant differences were found between the torque patterns exhibited by the paretic limb and those observed for the nonparetic limb of the stoke patients and the control group. Potential neural and biomechanical mechanisms underlying these abnormal torque patterns are discussed along with implications for the functional use of the paretic limb.