gewrichtsbeweging

gewijzigheidbeweging, or joint motion, refers to the displacement that occurs between adjacent bones at a synovial joint. It is essential for all voluntary movements and is governed by the anatomical structure of the joint, the surrounding musculature, ligaments, and the proprioceptive feedback system. In human anatomy, the largest category of joints is the synovial joint, which allows a wide range of motion and is responsible for the majority of body movements.

Joint motion can be classified by direction and type. Flexion and extension are movements that increase or decrease the angle between two bones, such as bending and straightening the elbow. Abduction and adduction move a limb away from or toward the midline, respectively. Rotation, circumduction, and other complex movements like pronation and supination also play key roles. These motions are measured in degrees using a goniometer, and healthy ranges differ by joint and individual factors such as age, sex, and activity level.

The mechanics of joint motion are determined by bone geometry, cartilage integrity, tendon tension, and ligamentous resilience. Mechanical stresses influence joint health, and repetitive abnormal loading can lead to degenerative changes such as osteoarthritis or ligament sprains. Rehabilitation and exercise programs target specific motions to restore function, improve proprioception, and reduce injury risk.

In clinical settings, assessing joint motion is a core component of musculoskeletal examinations. Professionals use standardized protocols to evaluate deviations from normal ranges and to guide treatment plans for injuries, post-surgical recovery, or chronic conditions. The term gewrichtsbeweging is widely used in Dutch-speaking medical literature to describe the fundamental biomechanical action of articulation throughout the body.