Joint Motions

Flexion definition

decreasing the angle of the joint

Flexion example

bending elbow

Extension definition

increasing the angle of the joint

Extension example

straightening elbow

Abduction definition

moving a limb away from midline

Abduction example

pulling leg up to the side

Adduction definition

moving limb towards midline

Adduction example

lowering leg from the side back to the middle

Pronation definition

turning palms down (back)

Supination definition

turning palms up (forward)

Inversion definition

turning sole of foot inward/ medially

Eversion definition

turning sole of foot outward/ laterally

Plantarflexion definition

pointing foot/ toes downward

Dorsiflexion definition

pulling toes upward

Protraction definition

to protrude or push forward

Retraction definition

to pull back

Rotation definition

turning a body part on an axis

Rotation example

turning head left and right

Circumduction definition

tracing out a circle/ cone in space

Circumduction example

arm circles

Opposition definition

touching the thumb to digit #5 (pinky)

Elevation definition

lifting or raising a body part

Elevation example

shrugging shoulders

Gliding definition

slight displacement or slipping of the bones

Gliding example

movement in wrist (waving)