flexiondominant

Flexiondominant is a term used in biomechanics, movement science, and rehabilitation to describe a movement pattern or postural strategy in which flexion is the predominant component of joint motion or posture during a task. It implies that joints are primarily flexed or move mainly through flexion rather than extension or neutral positions. The concept can apply to the spine, hips, knees, elbows, or other joints, and may describe both dynamic movement and static posture.

In practice, flexiondominant patterns can occur during activities that require bending or crouching, such as squatting or stair descent, as well as during lifting, gait, or daily activities when the trunk or limbs assume flexed positions. These patterns can be normal in children or athletes performing flexion-heavy tasks but may indicate compensatory strategies in adults facing pain, stiffness, or limited range of motion. For example, individuals with lower back pain may adopt a flexiondominant lifting strategy, reducing spinal extension to limit strain, or may display excessive spinal flexion during standing with a rounded back.

Assessment of flexiondominant patterns typically relies on observational analysis or motion capture to quantify joint angles, time in flexion, and the relative contribution of flexion versus extension to a movement. Clinicians consider flexiondominant posture or movement in relation to overall mobility, stability, and loading patterns, and may guide rehabilitation toward balanced motor control, flexibility, and progressive loading that reduces excessive flexion if it contributes to discomfort or injury risk.

The term is descriptive rather than a diagnosis and can co-occur with other movement patterns or pathologies. Related concepts include extension-dominant movement and neutral spine strategies.