What movement is described as a continuation of extension beyond the anatomical position?

Hyperextension refers to the movement that exceeds the normal range of extension beyond the anatomical position. In anatomical terms, the anatomical position is characterized by the body standing upright with arms at the sides and palms facing forward. When a joint moves beyond the straight position—such as leaning back further than upright or extending a limb backward beyond its usual straight line—this is classified as hyperextension.

This type of movement is often seen in exercises and activities that involve bending backward, such as certain yoga poses, gymnastics, or in physical therapy when assessing flexibility or joint stability. Understanding hyperextension is important for fitness instructors to help clients maintain proper form and prevent injury, especially in exercises that involve the spine or large joints like the shoulders and knees.

The other movements listed have different definitions: flexion involves decreasing the angle between two body parts, while abduction and adduction relate to movements away from and towards the midline of the body, respectively.