Exercise Video 4 - Knee Flexors
Question 4 of the Spasticity App Test
Here as a reminder: The fourth video of the Spasticity App, which you used to decide whether you answered the question with green, yellow or red.
Knee movement while sitting: Please sit relaxed while your knee is stretched and bent three times at one-second intervals. Does your assistant feel slight or strong muscular resistance? Please remember that this movement should only be performed in a pain-free area.
Perform the exercises in this order:
❶ Stretching exercise
❷ Activation exercise
❶ Stretching exercise for the knee flexors
This exercise is performed sitting in front of a stool. Place the paralyzed leg on the stool and use your hands to push the knee down into extension. To increase the stretch in the back of the thigh, lean forward with your upper body. You are performing the stretch correctly when you feel a slight pull but no pain in the back of the thigh and knee.
➤ Remain in this stretching position for at least 3 minutes before performing the activation exercise.
❷ Activation exercise for knee flexors
Active flexion of the knee is important for safe walking and climbing stairs. This exercise is performed in a safe standing position. Shift your weight to the non-paralyzed side and pull the heel of the paralyzed leg as quickly and as far back as possible towards your buttocks, then return to the starting position as quickly as possible. Try to extend the hip as much as possible. Repeat this movement as often and as quickly as possible within 20 seconds.
➤ To repeat the activation exercise, return to the stretching position and hold it again for at least 3 minutes. You can perform the entire stretch-activation exercise block several times a day.
