What is adduction movement?

Adduction refers to the movement of a limb or body part toward the midline of the body. This movement is crucial in various physical activities and is often used to describe actions in fields like anatomy, physical therapy, and sports science. For example, when the arms are lowered from a position extended out to the sides back towards the torso, they are being adducted. This is an important movement that helps maintain body posture, perform various physical activities, and engage in exercises targeting specific muscle groups.

In contrast, the other movements described involve different mechanics. Moving a body part away from the body is known as abduction. Rotating a body part around an axis describes rotation, while sliding along a surface implies a gliding or translational movement. Understanding these distinctions is essential in anatomy and kinesiology, as it enables accurate communication about movement types in both clinical and fitness settings.