Movement types

• What are the 8 types of movements?

  • flexion
  • extension
  • abduction
  • adduction
  • rotation
  • circumduction
  • dorsi-flexion
  • plantar-flexion
• Flexion

  • the angle at a joint is decreased
  • joints used: hinge, ball and socket, condyloid
  • the elbow flexes during the upwards phase of a bicep curl
• Extension

  • the angle at a joint is increased
  • Joints: hinge, ball and socket, condyloid
  • the elbow extends during the downwards phase of a bicep curl
• Abduction

  • when a limb is moved away from the midline of the body
  • Joints: ball and socket, condyloid
  • at the shoulder as a goalkeeper reaches out to save the ball
• Adduction

  • when a limb is bought back towards the midline of the body
  • Joints: ball and socket, condyloid
  • at the shoulder and hip during the downwards phase of a star jump
• Rotation

  • movement around a single axis
  • joints: pivot, ball and socket
  • movement at the shoulder during a tennis serve
• Circumduction

  • combination of flexion, extension, adduction and abduction
  • Joints: ball and socket, pivot
  • the movement at the shoulder during a cricket bowl
• Doris-flexion

  • only seen at the ankle when the toes are raised towards the shin
  • Joints: hinge
  • downwards phase of a squat
• Plantar-flexion

  • only seen at the ankle when the toes are pointed away from the shin
  • Joints: hinge
  • going onto your tiptoes in ballet