What is the movement called when the upper arm is brought closer to the body in the shoulder joint?

The movement of bringing the upper arm closer to the body at the shoulder joint is known as adduction. This motion specifically involves decreasing the angle between the arm and the side of the body, effectively pulling the arm inward.

Adduction is essential for various functional activities, such as lowering the arms after raising them or performing certain exercises that require the arms to come closer to the torso, like push-ups or lat pull-downs. It contrasts with abduction, which would involve moving the arm away from the body. Understanding the definitions of these movements helps in applying corrective exercises effectively and ensuring proper biomechanics during physical activities.