Horizontal Abduction

Horizontal Abduction (a.k.a. Horizontal Extension): A transverse plane joint action that results in movement away from the midline of the body.

• Opposing Joint Action: Horizontal Adduction
• Plane of Motion: Transverse (Horizontal) Plane
• 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 Horizontal Abduction (and Sample Exercises):

1. Shoulder joint (Glenohumeral joint):  Horizontal abduction (horizontal extension) occurs when the humerus moves away from the midline of the body in the transverse/horizontal plane, as observed during a shoulder horizontal abduction (a.k.a. reverse flye).
2. Hip joint : Horizontal abduction occurs when the femur moves away from the midline of the body in the transverse/horizontal plane, as observed during a seated horizontal abduction machine or the clam exercise (gluteus medius activation) .