Seated Knee Extension Isometric

SEATED KNEE EXTENSION ISOMETRIC

The seated knee extension isometric is also known as the seated leg extension isometric and it is used to strengthen the knee extensors. Start by sitting in a stable chair while facing a wall. Place the chair so that the front of your foot is against the bottom of the wall, with your knee bent into a tolerable position (generally at 90 degrees knee flexion but this can depend on your baseline mobility levels). Begin the exercise by attempting to extend the knee while pushing the foot into the wall. Depending on your goals, hold this contraction for 2 minutes at 20-65% max strength, for 30 seconds at 65-80% max strength, or for 4-8 seconds at max strength.

Structures involved:

• Quadriceps

  • rectus femoris

  • vastus lateralis

  • vastus medialis / vastus medialis oblique

  • vastus intermedius

• patellar tendon

• quadriceps tendon

Related conditions:

• runner’s knee

• jumper’s knee

• patellofemoral pain syndrome

• ITB syndrome

• Meniscus tear

• quadriceps tendinitis / patellar tendinitis

• ACL sprain / ACL post-surgical rehabilitation

Exercise videos