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. Author manuscript; available in PMC: 2016 Apr 1.
Published in final edited form as: Strength Cond J. 2015 Apr;37(2):13–60. doi: 10.1519/SSC.0000000000000130

Table 6.

FRONTAL KNEE POSITION

NEUROMUSCULAR
DEFICIT: Active valgus during squat; increased hip adductor activation and increased co-activation of the gastrocnemius and tibialis anterior muscles leads to valgus.
TARGETED CORRECTION: Remove tendency to utilize active valgus strategy during squat.
Exercise Description Purpose Cue Example
1. Wide Stance Squat Remove teBody weight squats with 1.5–2x shoulder width. Have athlete focus on keeping knees apart Wide stance will promote knees to track over feet and avoid valgus collapse. "Push knees outward" graphic file with name nihms727369t37.jpg
2. Band Squats Use Theraband or practitioner's hands to encourage athlete to press outwardly against during body weight squat A physical cue to push knees outward. "Push knees outward" graphic file with name nihms727369t38.jpg
3. Squat Jump Perform forward countermovement jump. Land softly in deep hold position with chest up. To promote keeping knees apart when jumping forward. "Land with knees apart" graphic file with name nihms727369t39.jpg
STRENGTH/ STABILITY
DEFICIT: Passive valgus during squat motion.
TARGETED CORRECTION: Improve hip abductor, hamstring, and gluteus strength to reduce medial knee displacement.
Exercise Description Purpose Cue Example
1. Single Leg Romanian Deadlift Stand with feet shoulder-width apart with hands slightly more than shoulder-width apart. Move one foot slightly behind the other, holding it a few inches off the ground. With back flat, slowly lower the torso toward front foot and allow free leg to float behind you for balance. Once the weight reaches mid-shin level, push through grounded heel to return to the upright position, and repeat on the opposite leg. To improve single leg knee stability. "Make a 'T'" graphic file with name nihms727369t40.jpg
2. Russian Hamstring Curls Kneel on the floor with feet behind and torso up straight. Hook feet under a bench or ask someone to hold ankles down. Cross arms on chest and keep hips extended. Slowly lower down to the floor. Be prepared to catch yourself. Lower yourself forward as low as possible, and then raise yourself back up. To improve eccentric hamstring strength. "Lead with your hips when descending" graphic file with name nihms727369t41.jpg
3. Single Leg Isometric Squat and Hold Stand tall on one leg with line of hips parallel to the ground. Single leg squat to at least parallel and keep heel on the ground. Hold at apex of depth and return to extended knee position. Focus on keeping torso vertical and prevent medial knee movement of stance leg. Increase intensity of exercise by standing on an unstable surface. Single leg knee stability and strengthening exercise. "Point knee straight" graphic file with name nihms727369t42.jpg
MOBILITY
DEFICIT: Joint hypomobility causing altered front plane position (i.e., valgus) during squat.
TARGETED CORRECTION: Improve range of motion of hip adductors and hip internal rotators.
Exercise Description Purpose Cue Example
1. Standing Leg Swings In standing position, swing leg laterally from side to side. To improve hip adductor mobility. "Isolate hip" graphic file with name nihms727369t43.jpg
2. Side Lunge Step out with on leg laterally and perform a lunge to one side. Repeat on opposite side. To improve hip adductor mobility. "Keep non-lunging leg straight" graphic file with name nihms727369t44.jpg
3. Carioca Move laterally my stepping lead leg sideways and alternating the trailing leg in front of and behind the lead leg To improve Hip adductor and internal rotator mobility. "Maintain upright posture" graphic file with name nihms727369t45.jpg