benböj

Benböj is a term used in some Scandinavian-language sources, notably Swedish and Norwegian, that literally means leg bend. In anatomy and physiotherapy, benböj refers to the bending movement of the knee joint, i.e., knee flexion. The term can describe both the action (to bend the knee) and the posture achieved when the knee is bent. It is generally contrasted with knee extension in clinical and educational contexts.

In practice, benböj is important for assessing and training knee function. Clinically, it is used to measure range of motion (ROM) and to guide rehabilitation after knee injuries or surgery. Strength and conditioning programs incorporate benböj-related movements to improve flexion strength, such as leg curls or squats performed with appropriate technique and progression. The degree of knee flexion is typically quantified in degrees, ranging from full extension near 0 degrees to maximum flexion around 125–135 degrees in healthy adults, though individual limits vary.

The term is most common in translations or discussions of biomechanics within Scandinavian medical literature. In English-language texts, knee flexion or leg bending is more frequently used, though benböj may appear in bilingual resources or region-specific curricula. Etymology reflects its components: ben meaning leg or bone, böj meaning bend. Variants and exact scope can differ by language and medical tradition.

See also: knee flexion, range of motion, physiotherapy, rehabilitation, biomechanics.