International Sports Sciences Association (ISSA) Trainer Practice Exam

Which joint actions are primarily associated with the movements at the knee joint?

1. Flexion and Extension

2. Abduction and Adduction

3. Circumduction and Rotation

4. Elevation and Depression

The correct answer is: Flexion and Extension

The movements primarily associated with the knee joint are flexion and extension. The knee is classified as a hinge joint, which predominantly allows for movement in one plane—the sagittal plane. When the knee flexes, the angle between the thigh and the lower leg decreases, allowing the heel to move closer to the buttocks. This action is essential for activities such as sitting, squatting, or walking. Conversely, extension involves straightening the knee, increasing the angle between the thigh and the lower leg. This movement is crucial for actions like standing up, walking, and running. While the knee can experience some degree of rotation when flexed, its primary functions are flexion and extension, contrasting with other joints that enable a broader range of movements such as circumduction or abduction. Therefore, associating the primary actions of the knee joint with flexion and extension accurately reflects its primary biomechanics.