Physiological Categories of Movement

Listings of body movements are used to classify the biomechanical movement of the individuals performing a task. The following is a cursory list of physiological movements with a brief description of each term (Kroemer, Kroemer, and Kroemer-Elbert, 1990). See figures 7-1, 7-2, 7-3, and 7-4 for clarification of the movements represented. 

Abduction The movement of a body part away from the center plane of the body. Lifting the arm outward away from the body is an example of abduction. 

Circumduction Rotary movements which circumscribe an arc. Swinging the arm in a circle is an example of circumduction. 

Flexion The movement of a joint that decreases the angle between the bones. Bending the arm at the elbow such that the hand moves closer to the upper arm region is one example. 

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