What is circumduction?

Circumduction is a complex movement that involves the distal end of a limb or body segment describing a circular or conical motion while the proximal end remains relatively stationary. This action combines flexion, extension, abduction, and adduction, allowing the limb to move through a circular path.

For example, when a person performs circumduction with their arm, they can move the arm in a circular manner while keeping the shoulder in a fixed position. This is often seen in activities such as drawing circles with the arm or hip movements in sports and dance. The unique characteristic of circumduction is that while the end of the limb is tracing a circular path, the angle and relationship of the upper segments do not change appreciably, which distinguishes this movement from other types.

Understanding circumduction is essential in fitness and rehabilitation contexts because it is often utilized in exercises aimed at increasing joint mobility. Recognizing this movement helps in designing effective workout routines and in assessing joint function during physical evaluations.