
Horizontal adduction is a type of transverse plane joint action that results in movement towards the midline of the body. It is often observed during chest exercises such as push-ups, bench presses, and dumbbell presses, as well as during a seated adductor machine workout for the inner thighs. In the shoulder, horizontal adduction occurs when the arm moves towards the middle of the body, involving muscles such as the anterior deltoid and pectoralis major. Similarly, in the hip joint, horizontal adduction happens when the femur moves towards the body's midline.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Definition | Transverse plane joint action that results in movement toward the midline of the body |
| Other Names | Horizontal flexion, adduction |
| Joint Actions | Osteokinematic motions, arthrokinematic motions (e.g. spin, glide, roll, compression, distraction) |
| Shoulder Joint | Humerus moves toward the midline of the body in the transverse plane |
| Hip Joint | Femur moves toward the midline of the body in the transverse/horizontal plane |
| Muscles Involved | Anterior deltoid, pectoralis major |
| Examples | Chest flye, push-ups, bench press, dumbbell press, seated adductor (inner thigh) machine |
| Normal Range of Motion | 30-50 degrees in a healthy shoulder |
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What You'll Learn
- Horizontal adduction is a transverse plane joint action
- The pectoralis major is involved in horizontal adduction
- An example of horizontal adduction is doing a chest fly
- Shoulder adduction involves arm movement towards the body's midline
- Horizontal adduction of the hip joint involves the femur moving towards the body's midline

Horizontal adduction is a transverse plane joint action
In the shoulder joint (glenohumeral joint), horizontal adduction occurs when the humerus moves toward the midline of the body in the transverse plane. This can be observed during chest exercises like push-ups, bench presses, and dumbbell presses. The anterior deltoid and pectoralis major muscles are involved in shoulder horizontal adduction.
In the hip joint, horizontal adduction occurs when the femur moves toward the midline of the body in the transverse or horizontal plane. This can be seen during exercises like the seated adductor (inner thigh) machine.
It is important to note that issues with shoulder adduction may indicate dysfunction in the acromioclavicular joint. The Cross-Arm Test can be used to determine this.
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The pectoralis major is involved in horizontal adduction
The pectoralis major is a thick, fan-shaped muscle that lies underneath the breast tissue and forms the anterior wall of the axilla. It is the most superficial muscle in the pectoral region and is responsible for various upper-body movements, including shoulder flexion, shoulder adduction, and medial rotation of the arm.
The pectoralis major is also involved in horizontal adduction, which is the movement of bringing the arm across the front of the body. This can be observed when performing a chest fly exercise or giving someone a hug. The muscle helps stabilize the shoulder joint by providing support to the head of the humerus (upper arm bone).
The pectoralis major has two distinct portions: the clavicular head (upper chest) and the sternal head (lower chest). These two parts can be activated differently depending on the specific movement or exercise. During horizontal adduction, the upper chest (clavicular head) is more involved, while the lower chest (sternal head) contributes to shoulder adduction and medial rotation.
To strengthen the pectoralis major and improve its performance in horizontal adduction, specific exercises can be incorporated into a fitness routine. These include bench presses, push-ups, chest flies, and various dumbbell or barbell movements. For example, during a flat barbell or dumbbell bench press, an individual lies supine on a bench and extends their arms slowly toward the nipple line before bringing the weights up to arm's length above their face. Dumbbell flies are another effective exercise, where the individual brings the dumbbells to the sides of their body while maintaining a slight bend in their arms.
In conclusion, the pectoralis major plays a crucial role in horizontal adduction by facilitating the movement of bringing the arm across the body. This muscle can be effectively targeted and strengthened through various exercises, contributing to overall upper-body strength and stability.
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An example of horizontal adduction is doing a chest fly
The chest fly is a versatile exercise that involves bringing both arms into the midline of the body, targeting the muscles that horizontally adduct the shoulder. An example of horizontal adduction is doing a chest fly.
The chest fly is a valuable exercise for improving the aesthetics of the pectoral muscle. The chest fly machine allows for the execution of the fly from a vertical position and a seated position. The pulley system of the machine provides uniform resistance throughout the entire range of motion.
The chest fly machine targets the pectoralis major, a large, fan-shaped muscle that spans across the chest, forming the front portion of the axillary fold (armpit). The pectoralis major is divided into two parts: the clavicle and the sternum. The chest fly machine strengthens the pectoralis major while promoting hypertrophy (increases in size) of this muscle.
The chest fly exercise involves bringing the arms forward in an arc movement, which is the concentric portion of the lift and involves the lifting of the weight. The eccentric portion involves the descent of the weight. It is important to focus on the concentric portion of the contraction, concentrating on "squeezing" as you bring the handles together in front of you. This emphasis on eccentric contractions can be incorporated into a training program focused on increasing strength.
The chest fly machine also targets the deltoids, located at the front of the shoulders. The anterior deltoids act as secondary movers to stabilize the shoulder joints. The chest fly machine provides an excellent way to strengthen the chest muscles without worrying about balance.
In summary, the chest fly is an example of horizontal adduction that targets the pectoralis major and deltoid muscles, improving the aesthetics and strength of the chest.
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Shoulder adduction involves arm movement towards the body's midline
Adduction and abduction are terms used to describe movements towards or away from the midline of the body. Adduction is a movement towards the midline, while abduction is a movement away from the midline. In the case of the shoulder, adduction involves bringing the arm down towards the side of the body, across the midline. This is in contrast to abduction, which involves raising the arm at the shoulder joint and moving it laterally away from the body.
The shoulder joint, or glenohumeral joint, is a ball-and-socket joint that exhibits a high degree of mobility. It is capable of a wide range of motion in multiple body planes, including adduction and abduction. Adduction of the shoulder is driven primarily by the latissimus dorsi, teres major, and pectoralis major muscles. The anterior deltoid and pectoralis major are also involved in shoulder adduction.
Medial and lateral rotation describe rotational movements of the limbs around their long axis. Medial rotation, also known as internal rotation, is a movement towards the midline, while lateral rotation, or external rotation, is a movement away from the midline. For example, with a straight leg, rotating the leg to point the toes inward is medial rotation. In the shoulder, medial rotation involves rotating the arm so that the hand moves towards the opposite hip, with the elbow at a 90-degree angle.
Circumduction is another type of movement that can occur at the shoulder joint. It is a conical movement of a limb extending from the joint at which the movement is controlled. This can be demonstrated by reaching out to something, which is known as protraction, or by picking something up, which is called retraction.
In summary, shoulder adduction involves moving the arm towards the body's midline, and it is driven by specific muscles including the latissimus dorsi, teres major, and pectoralis major. This movement is distinct from abduction, which involves moving the arm away from the body's midline. Additionally, the shoulder joint is capable of medial and lateral rotation, as well as circumduction.
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Horizontal adduction of the hip joint involves the femur moving towards the body's midline
Horizontal adduction is a transverse plane joint action that results in movement towards the midline of the body. In the context of the hip joint, horizontal adduction occurs when the femur moves towards the midline of the body in the transverse or horizontal plane. This movement can be observed during exercises such as the seated adductor (inner thigh) machine.
It is important to distinguish between horizontal adduction and adduction. Adduction refers to a bone moving closer to the midline in the frontal plane. For example, the arms returning to the sides during a lat pull-down. On the other hand, horizontal adduction involves a transverse plane joint action, where the bone moves closer to the midline in the horizontal plane. An example of this is bringing your hands together in front of your chest during a chest fly.
The shoulder joint, or glenohumeral joint, also exhibits horizontal adduction. This occurs when the humerus moves towards the midline of the body in the transverse plane. Examples of exercises that involve shoulder horizontal adduction include push-ups, bench presses, and dumbbell presses. Shoulder adduction is the movement of the arm towards the middle of the body, and a healthy range of motion for this movement is generally between 30-50 degrees.
The muscles involved in horizontal adduction can vary depending on the specific joint and movement pattern. For example, the pectoralis major and anterior deltoid muscles are involved in shoulder horizontal adduction.
Understanding the difference between adduction and horizontal adduction is crucial, as it allows for a more nuanced understanding of joint movements and their implications for exercises and treatments.
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Frequently asked questions
Horizontal adduction is a transverse plane joint action that results in movement toward the midline of the body.
Shoulder horizontal adduction involves the anterior deltoid and pectoralis major muscles.
An example of shoulder horizontal adduction is the movement of bringing your hands together in front of your chest during a chest fly.
The normal range of motion for shoulder adduction is generally between 30 and 50 degrees in a healthy shoulder.
Horizontal adduction of the hip joint occurs when the femur moves toward the midline of the body in the transverse or horizontal plane, as seen during a seated adductor (inner thigh) machine exercise.











































