In which plane of motion is abduction and adduction performed?

Abduction and adduction occur in the frontal plane of motion. This plane is oriented vertically and divides the body into front (anterior) and back (posterior) sections. When a body part moves away from the midline of the body, it is performing abduction; conversely, when it moves back toward the midline, adduction occurs.

The movements relevant to these terms can most often be observed in the arms and legs. For instance, when you raise your arms or legs sideways away from your body, that action is abduction. When returning them back towards the body, it is adduction. These definitions and movements are clearly defined within the context of the frontal plane, which facilitates movements that include lateral actions as opposed to movements such as flexion, extension, or rotation that occur in the sagittal and transverse planes, respectively. This understanding is fundamental in areas such as anatomy, kinesiology, and therapeutic practices that utilize movement assessments.