Adduction

Adduction: A frontal plane joint action that results in movement toward the midline of the body.

• Opposing Joint Action: Abduction
• Plane of Motion: Frontal
• Direction Bias: Inward
• 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 Adduction (and Sample Exercises):

1. Shoulder joint (Glenohumeral joint):  Adduction occurs when the arm moves toward the body, as observed during a pull-up or pull-down .
2. Hip joint : Adduction occurs when the leg moves toward the midline of the body, as when squeezing the legs together.
3. Interphalangeal joints (fingers and toes): Adduction occurs when the fingers or toes are squeezed together, moving toward the midline.
4. Thumb (Carpometacarpal joint): Adduction involves moving the thumb toward the palm in a direction perpendicular to the palm.