Types of Body Movements: Circumduction
Table of Contents
What Is Circumduction
Circumduction is the movement of the limb in a circle and is a combination of shoulder abduction, shoulder adduction, Flexion and Extension. You can perform Circumduction with the arm, leg, finger or foot.
Remember that Circumduction is when you move an area of the body in a circle through the combination of different anatomical movements.
Circumduction Definition
Circumduction can be further defined as the circular motion of a joint where the proximal end is fixed, and the distal end is free to move in a circle.
Circumduction Definition Anatomy
The Circumduction is when the distal end of a segment of the body moves in a circular motion. For instance, when you perform arm circles, you are performing Circumduction.
Circumduction Movement
The Circumduction Movement can be described as moving a segment of the body in a circular motion.
Circumduction Gait
Circumduction Gait is common in those who have experienced a stroke. Circumduction Gait is when an individual abducts the leg and swings it out towards the side to help the foot clear the floor during the swing phase of the gait cycle. If the individual did not swing the leg out to the side, it is likely that the foot would not be able to clear the ground during the swing phase.
Shoulder Circumduction
Shoulder Circumduction is a combination of Flexion, Abduction, Extension and Adduction to Circumduction the arm. The Shoulder is the proximal segment that is in a fixed position, and the hand is the distal segment that is allowed to freely move in a circle.
Circumduction vs Rotation
Now you may be wondering, isn’t Circumduction the same thing as Rotation? Circumduction and Rotation are two different movements. Circumduction, as we’ve previously stated is the movement of a limb in a circle. Rotation is when a limb moves around its long axis, turning like a screw. For instance, you can perform Circumduction in the arm by moving the arm in a circle.
To perform Rotation of the arm you would simply extend the arm to the desired position and rotate the wrist backwards or forwards. This movement will cause rotation of the elbow and the shoulder in a fixed position, without the need for the combination of movements that Circumduction requires.
Rotation vs Circumduction
Rotation and Circumduction are two different movements. You rotate the leg by turning the knee internally or externally. You perform Circumduction of the leg by moving the entire leg in a circular motion.
Circumduction Exercises
There are many Circumduction Exercises that you can try. For instance, arm circles are a Circumduction movement. As well, you can also try,
Hip Circumduction
Shoulder Circumduction
Some examples of Circumduction in sport include Bowling, Swimming and serving a ball in Tennis.
Define Circumduction
The definition of Circumduction is very simple and can be accompanied by examples and images to help you remember the movement. The term Circumduction contains a bit of the word circle. Use this as a reminder that Circumduction is a circular movement.
Circumduction of Shoulder
Performing Circumduction of the Shoulder is very common after surgical procedure to the shoulder. Circumduction of the shoulder will help to rehabilitate the joint without the use of a load. Lean over the side of a table with the affected arm hanging off to the side of the table. Slowly begin to perform Circumduction of the shoulder in both directions.
Moving a Limb so that it Describes a Cone in Space is Called Circumduction
This heading can be a helpful way of remembering what the Circumduction movement looks like. The proximal end of the segment would be the point or end of the cone, and the distal end of the segment would be the opening of the cone.
Wrist Circumduction
Wrist Circumduction is when you move the wrist in a circular motion. Your forearm will remain fixed, and you will move the wrist so that the hand is able to turn in a circle.
Circumduction of Arm
Circumduction of the Arm is when the shoulder is fixed, and the arm is moving in a circle. Circumduction of the Arm can be seen when performing Arm Circles.
Circumduction Gait Causes
There are multiple reasons why someone can have Circumduction Gait. Circumduction Gait causes range from weakness of muscles, difficulty flexing the hip or knee and foot drop. The reasoning behind Circumduction Gait is that the individual is trying to compensate for their inability to normally raise the foot during the swing phase of the gait cycle, by swinging the leg out in a semi-circle so that their foot can clear the floor.
Circumduction Meaning
The meaning of Circumduction is to move in a circle. This movement is easy to remember if you break down the name!
