Anatomy and Movement Mechanics

Planes of Movement
Planes Human movements are described in three dimensions based on a series of planes and axis. There are three planes of motion that pass through the human body.

The sagital plane The frontal/coronal plane The transverse (horizontal) plane
The sagital plane lies vertically and divides the body into right and left parts. The frontal plane also lies vertically however divides the body into anterior and posterior parts. The transverse plane lies horizontally and divides the body into superior and inferior parts.

Types of Movements
Anatomical Position/Foetal position

Flexion/Extension Horizontal Flexion/Extension Abduction/Adduction Rotation Circumduction Pronation/Supination Dorsiflexion/Plantarflexion Lateral Flexion

Movements

Movements

Movements

Joint Movements

Shoulder Flexion anterior movement of the arm to a decreasing angle from neutral Extension posterior movement Abduction raising arm to side away from body Adduction bringing arm towards the side Internal rotation medial rotation so that anterior surface is turned to the body External rotation lateral rotation Horizontal Flexion/Extension Scapular elevation - raising to head/ears Depression - lowering shoulder blades Protraction - forward Retraction back or shoulder blades together Rotation (Up or Down)- refers to lower angle of scapula Circumduction Extension, Abduction, Flexion, Adduction

Joint Movements

Elbow

Flexion Extension Slight Abduction, Adduction Pronation Supination Flexion Extension Slight Abduction, Adduction

Radio-Ulnar

Knee

Joint Movement
Spine

Flexion (sit-up) Extension Rotation Lateral Flexion (side bend)

Joint Movements

Hip

Flexionthigh up to abdomen Extension Adduction Abduction Lateral or outward rotation Medial or inward rotation Circumduction

Joint Movements

Ankle

Dorsiflexion Plantar flexion Inversion Eversion Flexion/Extension Adduction or radial deviation Abduction or ulnar deviation Circumduction

Wrist