Abduction

Abduction: A frontal plane joint action that results in movement away from the midline of the body.

• Opposing Joint Action: Adduction
• Plane of Motion: Frontal
• Direction Bias: Outward
• Note: Joint actions may be referred to as "osteokinematic motions" or "osteokinematic joint actions" to differentiate them from "arthrokinematic motions " (e.g., spin, glide, roll, compression, and distraction).

For more (including a video lecture), check out:

• Lesson 3: Joint Actions

Joints that Perform Abduction (and Sample Exercises):

1. Shoulder joint (Glenohumeral joint):  Abduction occurs when the arm moves away from the body to the side, as observed during a shoulder lateral raise or shoulder press .
2. Hip joint : Abduction occurs when the leg moves away from the midline of the body, such as when performing a side-lying leg raise or resisted side-stepping .
3. Interphalangeal joints (fingers and toes): Abduction occurs when the fingers or toes spread apart, moving away from the midline.
4. Thumb (Carpometacarpal joint): Abduction involves moving the thumb away from the palm in a direction perpendicular to the palm.