Physiological movement


Physiological movements or normal movements are the natural movements that occur in human joints. They are also known as osteokinematic movements.
The study of these movements is known as kinesiology.

Body positions to describe physiological movements

Fundamental position
Anatomical position

General descriptions

Joints and their physiological movements

Upper extremity

[Shoulder]

  1. Flexion
  2. Extension
  3. Abduction
  4. Adduction
  5. External rotation
  6. Internal rotation
  7. Horizontal abduction
  8. Horizontal adduction
  9. Circumduction

    [Elbow]

  10. Flexion
  11. Extension

    [Wrist]

  12. Flexion
  13. Extension
  14. Radial deviation
  15. Ulnar deviation

    Lower Extremity

[Hip]

  1. Flexion
  2. Extension
  3. Abduction
  4. Adduction
  5. Internal rotation
  6. External rotation

    [Knee]

  7. Flexion
  8. Extension

    [Ankle]

  9. Dorsal flexion
  10. Plantar flexion
  11. Eversion
  12. Inversion