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3 planes of motion: Sagittal, Coronal and Transverse
Continuing Education1 Credit

Lesson 2: Planes of Motion

Definitions of each of the 3 planes of movement; sagittal plane, frontal plane, and transverse plane. Also known as the sagittal, coronal, and horizontal planes. This course includes anatomical position and examples of exercises in the 3 cardinal planes. This is foundational knowledge for all movement professionals; personal trainers, physical therapists, athletic trainers, massage therapists, chiropractors, occupational therapists, etc.

Course Description: Planes of Motion

A plane of motion is a two-dimensional surface with a defined direction that is used to aid in analyzing human movement. There are three anatomical planes of motion that correspond to movement around the axes of the body. They are the sagittal plane, frontal plane, and transverse plane. Note, they are also known as cardinal planes, and the planes may be referred to as the sagittal plane, coronal plane, and horizontal planes. Movement professionals can categorize exercises according to the direction of motion of the joint and body part, and the corresponding anatomical plane. Further, consideration of the planes can be used to aid in programming various movement patterns. For example, most exercises are sagittal plane motions (like a squat), but daily life is three-dimensional. This implies that squats may need to be supported by lateral movements like lateral lunges (frontal plane), and transverse plane movements like turning step-ups (transverse plane). Sports medicine professionals (personal trainers, fitness instructors, physical therapists, athletic trainers, massage therapists, chiropractors, occupational therapists, etc.) will use the planes of motion to aid in the analysis of movement and the creation of sophisticated exercise programs and intervention plans. Further, the planes of motion are essential for future lessons on joint actions; for example, sagittal plane joint actions include flexion and extension, frontal plane joint actions include adduction and abduction, and transverse plane joint actions include internal and external rotation.

3 Planes of Motion (see below for details and exercise examples):

  • Sagittal plane: Divides the body into right and left halves.
  • Frontal plane (coronal plane): Divides the body into front and back halves.
  • Transverse plane (horizontal plane): divides the body into top and bottom halves.

The sagitall, coronal (frontal), and transverse planes
Caption: The sagitall, coronal (frontal), and transverse planes

Study Guide: Planes of Motion

Video Lesson: Planes of Motion

Sagittal Plane

Frontal Plane (Synonym - Coronal Plane)

Activity: Progressing Exercises Through Multiple Planes

Bibliography

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