One effective exercise to help improve lower extremity function is the short arc quad (SAQ) exercise.
This exercise is a simple, yet effective, way toimprove the strength and enduranceof yourquadriceps muscles.
What Are the Quads?
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Your quadriceps, or quads, are the large muscles on the top of your thighs.
They course down the front of your thighs and cross your knee joint.
When your quads contract, your knee extends and straightens fully.
An extended period of bed rest may also cause weakness in your quads.
Performing the exercise on a regular basis may help topreventproblems with your hips or knees.
Some people with certain conditions or in certain situations may benefit from performing the SAQ exercise.
It also the first step in performing thestraight leg raise exercise progressionfor knee and hip pain.
Be sure to stop the exercise if it causes increased knee pain or discomfort.
Performing two to three sets of the SAQ may be recommended to maximize the challenge to your quads.
Your PT can show you how.
