Download Flexion: a decrease in the angle around the joint

Examples of movement at joints
Flexion: a decrease in the angle around the joint. Eg. Bending leg in preparation for
kicking a football.
Extension: an increase in the angle around the joint. Eg. Straightening the arm as
swing racquet through to serve in tennis.
Abduction: movement away from the mid-line of the body. Eg. Stepping in to a
cartwheel.
Adduction: movement towards the mid-line of the body. Eg. Crossing the leg over
during the last few strides when preparing to release the javelin.
Rotation: movement of a bone around its longitudinal axis. Rotation can be inward
(medial) or outward (lateral). Eg. Throwing a Frisbee
Circumduction: the lower end of the bone moves in a circle. It is a combination of
flexion, extension, abduction, and adduction. Eg. Bowling a cricket ball.
Lateral flexion: bending the head or trunk sideways. Eg. Ice dancing
Elevation: moving the shoulders upwards. Eg.
Depression: moving the shoulders downwards. Eg.
Plantarflexion: bending the foot downwards, away from the tibia. Eg. Pointing toes
when diving.
Dorsiflexion: bending the foot upwards, towards the tibia. Playing ‘keepy-ups’ in
football.
Supination: facing the palm of the hand upwards. Eg. Playing ‘the dig’ in volleyball.
Pronation: facing the palm of the hand downwards. Eg. Dribbling the ball in
basketball.
Hyperextension: back muscles contract to extend the spine backwards. Eg.
Performing a backward walk-over in gymnastics.