SUPINE DUMBBELL LEG EXTENSION

The supine dumbbell leg extension exercise is used to restore full knee extension strength, particularly following an acute injury or following surgery in the knee, hip or leg. Start by lying down on the edge of a bed or exercise bench so that your knee is hanging off of the edge. Use a dumbbell foot strap to anchor a weight to the bottom of your foot. Extend your knee to the fullest range tolerable and hold a strong isometric contraction for 5-7 seconds. Gently lower the leg by bending the knee to complete a repetition.

Structures involved:

• Quadriceps

  • vastus medialis (vastus medialis oblique)

  • vastus intermedius

  • vastus lateralis

  • rectus femoris

• quadriceps tendon

• patellar tendon

• anterior cruciate ligament

• patellofemoral joint

Related conditions:

• ACL reconstructive surgery

• ACL sprain

• Total hip replacement / arthroscopy

• Femur fracture

• Patella fracture

• quadriceps strain

• knee meniscus tear

Exercise videos