Knieverlenging

Knieverlenging, also known as knee extension, refers to the act of straightening the knee joint. This motion is primarily accomplished by the quadriceps femoris muscle group, located at the front of the thigh. When these muscles contract, they pull on the patella (kneecap) and then through the patellar tendon to the tibia (shin bone), causing the lower leg to extend away from the thigh.

The ability to perform knee extension is crucial for a wide range of daily activities, including walking, running, standing up from a seated position, and kicking. It is a fundamental component of bipedal locomotion. The range of motion for knee extension is typically from a fully flexed position (about 150 degrees of flexion) to a fully extended position (0 degrees of extension, or hyperextension in some individuals).

Rehabilitation after injuries or surgery to the knee often focuses on restoring full knee extension. Weakness or stiffness in the quadriceps can limit knee extension, impacting mobility and potentially leading to compensatory movements. Various exercises and physical therapy techniques are employed to improve strength and flexibility in the muscles responsible for this action. Conditions like osteoarthritis or meniscal tears can also affect the ability to achieve full knee extension due to pain or mechanical obstruction within the joint.