Joint Action Graphs:
1. Fill in all of the joint actions available for the joint listed (Hint: one joint action per box).
2. Name the plane that each joint action is associated with.
3. List an exercise you are familiar with that is an example of that joint action.
Spine
Action
Plane
Exercise Example
Flexion
Sagittal
Crunch
Extension
Sagittal
Hyperextensions
Lateral Flexion
Frontal
Side-bending
Rotation
Transverse
Russian twists
Note: The terms external rotation, internal rotation, abduction and adduction do not pertain to the
spine.
Rather than referring to the direction of rotation with the terms “internal” and “external”; rotation of
the spine is referred to as “left” or “right” rotation. Rotation may also be referred to relative to the
muscle performing the task, in which case, the terms “contralateral (opposite side)” and “ipsilateral
(same side)” may be used.
“Lateral Flexion,” again does not denote sidedness. The same terminology is used relative to lateral
flexion, as is used for rotation. For example, “contralateral flexion” or “lateral flexion to the left.”
© 2015 Brent Brookbush