Kinesiology Chapter on Joint Types

The imaginary vertical plane that divides the body into left and right halves.

The imaginary horizontal plane that divides the body into upper and lower halves.

The imaginary plane that divides the body into front and back halves.

A joint with little or no movement, such as a suture between skull bones.

A joint with limited movement, such as the intervertebral discs.

A freely movable joint, such as the hip joint.

The position where joint surfaces are most congruent and ligaments are taut.

The position where joint surfaces are least congruent and ligaments are lax.

A test that assesses a muscle's ability to move through its range of motion against gravity and resistance.

Indicates normal muscle function, allowing complete range of motion against maximum resistance.

A feeling felt at the end of a joint's range of motion, indicating the type of tissue limiting movement.

A type of end feel where the movement is stopped by bone contacting bone.

The pelvic shape typically found in males, characterized by a narrower width, smaller pelvic outlet, and a straight supra pubic arch.

The angle between a line connecting the ASIS and PSIS and a horizontal line from the ASIS.

A movement where the anterior portion of the pelvis rotates upwards, causing the spine to arch.

A movement where the anterior portion of the pelvis rotates downwards, causing the spine to flatten.

A movement in the pelvis that moves the hip bone to one side.

The pelvis is in a neutral position, with the hip bone level and the spine in alignment.

A combination of muscle tightness and weakness that can lead to pelvic imbalances.

A test used to assess the rotation of the pelvis or innominate bone by observing the position of the ASIS and PSIS in different positions.

A condition where the iliac bone on one side of the pelvis is rotated forward.

A condition where the iliac bone on one side of the pelvis is rotated backward.

The angle between the lateral edge of the acetabulum and a vertical line.

The angle between the posterior acetabular wall and a line connecting the posterior and anterior acetabular rims.

The relative rotation (twist) between the femoral shaft and the neck.

The angle of femoral torsion where the femur is rotated >15º medially. This causes the shaft to rotate inward.

This malalignment leads to issues like Toeing in, Subtalar pronation, and Lateral patellar subluxation.

In this test, a patient's leg is abducted with the knee flexed at 90 degrees. If the leg can be abducted further than normal, it may indicate Gracilis tightness.

These muscles help to extend and stabilize the hip joint.

This test checks for movement of the PSIS (posterior superior iliac spine) during forward flexion. A positive test indicates hypomobility of the SI joint.

The gluteus maximus is a large, powerful muscle that extends the hip joint and laterally rotates the thigh. It is also essential for the proper functioning of the hip and knee joints through its role in stabilizing the pelvis and preventing excessive rotation of the femur.

The gluteus maximus is a powerful extensor of the hip, but it can also contribute to lateral rotation of the femur, especially during activities like running or walking. The gluteus maximus assists in stabilizing the knee joint and preventing unwanted movements.

The gluteus maximus plays a vital role in maintaining good posture by supporting the pelvis and preventing excessive rotation of the femur. This helps to ensure proper alignment of the spine and the ability to stand and move efficiently.

Weakness of the gluteus maximus can lead to several problems including difficulty walking and climbing stairs, postural imbalances (like back pain, poor posture), and increased risk of injury to the hip and knee joints. This is because the muscle is required for proper movement and support of the hip and leg.

The biceps femoris, located on the back of the thigh, is a two-headed muscle that plays a key role in extending at the hip and flexing and rotating the knee joint. It serves as a powerful mover of the thigh and leg.

The semitendinosus and semimembranosus are located on the back of the thigh and work together to extend the hip and flex and rotate the knee. These muscles are important for walking, running, and other activities that require movement of the leg.

The gluteus medius, located on the side of the hip, is responsible for abducting (moving away from the midline) the hip, which is crucial for maintaining balance and smooth walking, as well as contributing to rotation of the femur.

The gluteus minimus is located on the side of the hip and its main action is to abduct (move away from the midline) and internally rotate the hip, contributing to smooth and controlled movements of the leg.

This movement is characterized by the sacral promontory moving anteriorly and inferiorly while the coccyx moves posteriorly and superiorly. This results in a decrease in the pelvic inlet diameter and an increase in the pelvic outlet diameter.

This movement is the opposite of nutation, with the sacral promontory moving posteriorly and superiorly and the coccyx moving anteriorly and inferiorly. This results in an increase in the pelvic inlet diameter and a decrease in the pelvic outlet diameter.

This joint is formed between the sacrum and the ilium, and has limited movement. It's crucial for weight transfer and stability in the lower body.

This test is performed in prone, where pressure is applied to the apex of the sacrum. Pain over the SI joint indicates a potential sacroiliac joint problem.

This test is performed in side-lying with downward pressure applied over the iliac crest. Increased pressure on the SI joint indicates a sprain of the posterior SI joint ligament.

This movement is a combination of nutation and counternutation, resulting in a slight rotation of the sacrum around an oblique axis.

This test checks the integrity of the anterior sacroiliac ligament with the patient lying supine. Downward and outward pressure is applied, and pain on the involved side suggests a sprain of the anterior SI ligament.

This test evaluates the stability of the SI joint, particularly the sacrotuberous ligament. The patient is supine with the hip flexed at 90 degrees and downward pressure is applied while palpating the SI joint. Pain in this area points to possible sacroiliac joint dysfunction.

During this test, the patient performs an active SLR (straight leg raise) while the examiner compresses the innominate bones. This evaluates SI joint stability and may help identify the SI joint as the source of pain, especially in postpartum concerns.

This test evaluates the integrity of the iliolumbar ligament. The patient lies prone and the examiner applies pressure to the posterior iliac crest, causing twisting motion in the lumbar spine. Pain experienced in the lower back, especially in the iliac crest region, indicates a possible iliolumbar ligament sprain.

This test is used to evaluate the mobility of the sacroiliac joint by assessing the movement of the PSIS (posterior superior iliac spine). The patient stands on one leg while the examiner palpates the PSIS and sacrum. A lack of PSIS movement during knee flexion might indicate hypomobility of the SI joint.

This test evaluates the stability of the sacroiliac joint by assessing the movement of the PSIS (posterior superior iliac spine) during hip extension. The patient steps back as if taking a step, and the examiner palpates the PSIS. If the PSIS doesn't move upward, it suggests a potential SI Joint issue.

During this test, the patient lies supine with their knee flexed and hip fully flexed and adducted. Pain at the SI joint during this maneuver indicates strain of the posterior ligaments of the sacroiliac joint.

This test evaluates the tension of the hamstrings by assessing the patient's ability to actively extend the knee while in a seated position with the legs dangling. A positive test, where the patient leans backward or extends the trunk indicates tight hamstrings.

This test is used to assess range of motion of the hip joint and look for signs of hip joint limitation. This can be helpful in diagnosing hip pain.

This test tests the mobility of the hip by comparing the movement of the PSIS (posterior superior iliac spine) on both sides when the patient performs a straight leg raise. A positive test involves a reduced amount of PSIS movement on one side compared to the other, indicating hypomobility of the ilium on the sacrum on that specific side.