Human Movement System (HMS)
The collective components and structures that work together to move the body: muscular, skeletal, and nervous
... [Show More] systems.
Kinetic Chain
A concept that describes the human body as a chain of interdependent links that work together to perform movement.
Regional Interdependence Model
The concept describing the integrated functioning of multiple body systems or regions of the body.
Biomechanics
The science concerned with the internal and external forces acting on the human body and the effects produced by these forces.
Kinesiology
Study of movement as it relates to anatomy and physiology.
Anatomic Position
The position with the body erect, the arms at the sides, and the palms forward. It is the position of reference for anatomic nomenclature.
Multiplanar
Movement patterns that take the body through motions in more than one plane.
Saggital Plane
An imaginary bisector that divides the body into left and right halves.
Flexion
A bending movement in which the relative angle between two adjacent segments decreases.
Extension
A straightening movement in which the relative angle between two adjacent segments increases.
Hyperextension
Extension of a joint beyond the normal limit or range of motion.
Dorsiflexion
Flexion occurring at the ankle.
Plantar Flexion
Extension occurring at the ankle. Pointing the foot downwards.
Frontal Plane
An imaginary bisector that divides the body into front and back halves. Movement in the frontal plane includes abduction, adduction, and side-to-side motions.
Abduction
A movement in the frontal plane away from the midline of the body.
Adduction
Movement in the frontal plane back toward the midline of the body.
Lateral Flexion
Bending of the spine from side to side.
Eversion
A movement in which the inferior calcaneus (heel bone) moves laterally. The bottom of foot faces outward.
Inversion
A movement in which the inferior calcaneus (heel bone) moves medially. Bottom of foot faces inward.
Transverse Plane
An imaginary bisector that divides the body into top and bottom halves.
Internal Rotation
Rotation of a body segment toward the middle of the body.
External Rotation
Rotation of a body segment away from the middle of the body.
Horizontal Abduction
Movement of the arm or thigh in the transverse plane from an anterior position to a lateral position.
Horizontal Adduction
Movement of the arm or thigh in the transverse plane from a lateral position to an anterior position.
Radioulnar Pronation
Inward rotation of the forearm from a palm-up position to a palm-down position.
Radioulnar Supination
Outward rotation of the forearm from a palm-down position to a palm-up position.
Pronation Of The Foot
Multiplanar movement of the foot and ankle complex consisting of eversion, dorsiflexion, and ankle abduction; associated with force reduction.
Supination Of The Foot
Multiplanar movement of the foot and ankle complex consisting of inversion, plantar flexion, and ankle adduction; associated with force production.
Gait
Biomechanical motion of the lower extremities during walking, running, and sprinting.
Scapular Retraction
Adduction of scapulae; shoulder blades move toward the midline.
Scapular Protraction
Abduction of scapulae; shoulder blades move away from the midline.
Scapular Depression
Downward (inferior) motion of the scapulae.
Scapular Elevation
Upward (superior) motion of the scapulae.
Elasticity
The ability of soft tissues to return to resting length after being stretched.
Ligament
A fibrous connective tissue that connects bone to bone.
Flexibility
The normal extensibility of soft tissues that allows for full range of motion of a joint.
Hypermobility
A state where a lack of neuromuscular support leads to a joint having more range of motion than it should, greatly increasing the risk of injury at that joint.
Hypomobility
When range of motion at a joint is limited.
Eccentric Muscle Action
A muscle action that occurs when a muscle develops tension while lengthening. (negative, lowering against gravity, deceleration, absorbing force)
Motor Unit
A motor neuron and all of the muscle fibers that it innervates.
Isotonic Muscle Actions
Force is produced, muscle tension is developed, and movement occurs through a given range of motion. They are subdivided into concentric and eccentric muscle actions.
Isometric Muscle Action
When a muscle is exerting force equal to the force being placed on it leading to no visible change in the muscle length.
Direction of Resistance
Eccentric motion moves in the same direction as the resistance moves.
Deceleration
Eccentric Motion
Acceleration
Concentric Motion
Concentric Muscle Action
A muscle action that occurs when a muscle is exerting force greater than the resistive force, resulting in a shortening of the muscle. (positive, lifting against gravity, acceleration, producing force)
Core
The structures that make up the lumbo-pelvic-hip complex (LPHC), including the lumbar spine, pelvic girdle, abdomen, and hip joint.
Muscle Action Spectrum
The full range of eccentric, isometric, and concentric muscle contractions required to perform a movement.
Agonists
The primary muscles providing force for a movement.
Synergists
Muscles that assist agonists to produce a movement.
Stabilizers
Muscles that contract isometrically to stabilize the trunk and joints as the body moves.
Feed Forward Activation
When a muscle is automatically activated in anticipation of a movement.
Antagonists
Muscles on the opposite side of a joint that are in direct opposition of agonist muscles. [Show Less]