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Short Arc Quad

Knee · Hip · Also called SAQ, short arc quadricep

Short Arc Quad, Start
Start
Short Arc Quad, Finish
Finish

Setup

Lie on your back. Place a rolled towel or bolster under your surgical knee to hold it in approximately 30–40 degrees of flexion. Let your lower leg hang freely.

Movement

Tighten your quadriceps and slowly straighten your knee until it is fully extended (leg straight). Hold for 3 seconds at the top, then slowly lower your foot back to the starting position. Maintain the quad contraction throughout.

Tip

Keep the back of your thigh resting on the towel at all times — only your lower leg should move. Full extension at the top of each rep is the goal; feel the quadriceps squeeze completely.