movement descriptors
terms used to describe movements and/or directions of movement
abduction
moving a body part away from the midline
adduction
moving a body part toward the midline
circumduction
moving a body part in a circular motion
depression
moving a body part in an inferior direction (mostly used in reference to the shoulders)
elevation
moving a body part in a superior direction (mostly used in reference to the shoulders)
dorsiflexion
moving the dorsal aspect of the foot upward
plantarflexion
moving the plantar aspect of the foot downward
eversion
turning the plantar aspect of the foot away from the midline (outward)
inversion
turning the plantar aspect of the foot toward the midline (inward)
flexion
bending movement that decreases the joint angle
extension
straightening movement that increases the joint angle
hyperextension
excessive extension of a body part at a joint, moving beyond normal anatomical position
pronation
turning the hand so the palm faces downward (may also be used with foot/ankle motion)
Supination
turning the hand so the palm faces upward (may also be used with foot/ankle motion)
protraction
moving a body part forward (generally referencing the scapula-moving the arms anterior at the shoulder)
retraction
moving a body part backward (generally referencing the scapula-moving the arms posterior at the shoulder)
internal rotation
rotation of the hip or shoulders toward the midline
external rotation
rotation of the hip or shoulders away from the midline
rotation
turning on a single axis