Understanding Flexion

What is Flexion?

Flexion is a biomechanical term that refers to a movement that decreases the angle between two body parts. It is one of the basic movements that occur at various joints throughout the human body.

Types of Flexion

• Forearm Flexion: Bending the elbow, which brings the forearm closer to the upper arm.
• Knee Flexion: The movement that decreases the angle between the thigh and the lower leg, like bending down to sit.
• Hip Flexion: The action of lifting the thigh towards the body, commonly seen during walking or running.
• Spinal Flexion: Bending forward at the waist, crucial in movements like touching your toes.

The Importance of Flexion

Flexion plays a crucial role in various physical activities, sports, and daily movements. Here are some key reasons why flexion is important:

• Functional Movement: Many activities such as walking, running, and climbing stairs rely heavily on flexion.
• Joint Health: Maintaining flexibility and strength through regular flexion exercises can promote joint health and prevent injuries.
• Performance Enhancement: Athletes often focus on improving their flexion capacity to enhance performance in their respective sports.
• Rehabilitation: Flexion exercises are commonly prescribed in physical therapy to restore function following an injury.

Examples of Flexion Exercises

Incorporating flexion exercises in your routine can greatly benefit muscle strength and flexibility. Some common exercises include:

• Push-Ups: Engaging upper body flexion for building strength in the chest, shoulders, and triceps.
• Squats: Involves knee and hip flexion, essential for leg strength.
• Crunches: Targeting spinal flexion to strengthen the abdominal muscles.
• Leg Raises: Encouraging hip flexion that also aids in core strengthening.