Movements of the Knee Joint

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Last updated on February 5, 2016

Extension:

Definition:	Straightening the knee joint by moving the lower leg away from the hamstring.
Image:
Muscles Involved:	Rectus femoris Vastus medialis Vastus intermedius Vastus lateralis Tensor fascia lata (provides stabilization)
Exercises:	Squat Leg press Leg extension Lunge

Flexion:

Definition:	Bending the knee joint by moving the lower leg toward the hamstring.
Image:
Muscles Involved:	Hamstrings Biceps femoris (long head) Biceps femoris (short head) Semimembranosus Semitendinosus Sartorius Gastrocnemius Gracilis Plantaris Popliteus
Exercises:	Leg curl Glute-ham raise Romanian deadlift (static knee flexion)

External Rotation (Lateral Rotation):

Definition:	Rotating the lower leg and foot laterally (outward), with a bent knee joint.
Image:
Muscles Involved:	Biceps femoris (long head) Biceps femoris (short head)
Exercises:	Knee external rotation

Internal Rotation (Medial Rotation):

Definition:	Rotating the lower leg and foot medially (inward), with a bent knee joint.
Image:
Muscles Involved:	Semimembranosus Semitendinosus Popliteus
Exercises:	Knee internal rotation

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