Therapeutic technique: Muscle strengthening of the thigh extensor
The quadriceps are built up in secured knee angle areas where the patellofemoral joint is exposed to the lowest shear and compression forces. Exercises in the so-called closed chain (foot is fixed, body moves) are preferable to those in the open chain (body is fixed, leg moves), as they are more functional and provide a better stimulus for cartilage formation. In the closed chain, the knee joint should only be loaded from approx. 45° flexion to full extension during the strength exercise.
