Figure 2. Selective tensioning of the superficial layer of the quadriceps tendon.

Selective tensioning of the superficial layer of the quadriceps tendon is achieved by maximally lengthening rectus femoris into the combined motion of hip extension and knee flexion; low-velocity stretching may be therapeutically prescribed to shear/mobilize the graft harvest site (A), whereas high-velocity activities should be thoughtfully progressed with ongoing monitoring of the graft harvest site for any increase in tissue irritability. Asterisk, quadriceps tendon autograft harvest site; white lines, depiction of joint angles; black dash-arrow, high-velocity eccentric lengthening of the quadriceps muscle during the wind-up phase of kicking