Exercises / Thigh & knee

Terminal knee extension (band)

Strength
Thigh & knee
Elastic band

Straightening a slightly bent knee against a band pulling it forward. Closed-chain quadriceps work in the last 30° of extension.

Also called TKE, banded knee extension.

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Where you stand

No published distribution for this exercise yet. We add one only from a peer-reviewed study.

Muscles worked

Filled: primary. Outlined: secondary.

How much

Typical strength dose: 2-3 sets of 8-12 repetitions at a load that is hard by the last repetition, 2-3 days per week (ACSM novice guideline). Adjust to symptoms.

Start: Standing, band behind the knee

Steps

Anchor a band in front at knee height and loop it behind the knee.
Step back to create tension; bend the knee about 30°.
Straighten the knee fully against the band, hold, then return slowly.

Cues

Full extension
Weight on the working leg

Common mistakes

Hyperextending with a snap
Hip moving instead of knee

Used for

Knee extension lag
After ACL reconstruction
Patellofemoral pain

Evidence (2)

No exercise or joint position selectively activates VMO; train the quadriceps as a whole.2
Restoring full knee extension and quadriceps strength is an early ACL rehabilitation goal.1

Harder

References (3)

van Melick N, van Cingel REH, Brooijmans F, et al. Br J Sports Med. 2016;50(24):1506-1515. Evidence-based clinical practice update: practice guidelines for anterior cruciate ligament rehabilitation based on a systematic review and multidisciplinary consensus
Smith TO, Bowyer D, Dixon J, Stephenson R, Chester R, Donell ST. Physiother Theory Pract. 2009;25(2):69-98. Can vastus medialis oblique be preferentially activated? A systematic review of electromyographic studies
Neumann DA. Elsevier. Kinesiology of the Musculoskeletal System: Foundations for Rehabilitation. 3rd ed.