What type of movement is characterized by the sole of the foot turning inward?

The type of movement characterized by the sole of the foot turning inward is known as inversion. Inversion specifically refers to the motion that occurs at the ankle joint, where the foot rolls towards the midline of the body. This action involves the subtalar joint and is crucial for maintaining balance and stability, particularly on uneven surfaces.

Inversion is an essential movement in various athletic activities, providing support and allowing for better control of foot positioning during dynamic movements. Understanding this term is significant in clinical assessments and rehabilitation of ankle injuries, where inversion may be limited due to strains or sprains.

Other terms such as adduction, dorsiflexion, and pronation refer to different types of movements that involve other joints or directions. Adduction relates to moving a limb towards the body's midline, dorsiflexion involves raising the foot at the ankle, bringing the toes closer to the shin, and pronation refers to the rolling inward of the foot during walking or running, which is different from the specific inward turning represented by inversion.