What is the definition of adduction in the context of limb movement?

Adduction refers to the movement of a limb or body part towards the midline of the body. This term is derived from Latin roots meaning "to lead to." In practical terms, when a person raises their arm and then brings it back to their side, the action of bringing the arm back aligns it closer to an imaginary line that divides the body down the center.

This term is often used in contrast to abduction, which describes the movement of a limb away from the midline. Understanding this distinction helps in various fields, such as rehabilitation, physical therapy, and sports science, where precise movements are crucial for training, recovery, and overall biomechanics.

Recognizing the proper definition of adduction is essential for orthotic fitters as they may need to assess and assist patients with conditions that affect limb movement, ensuring that any orthotic device supports the necessary range of motion during adduction and other movements.