Straight Leg Raise
Exercise Overview
The straight leg raise is an early-stage lower-extremity exercise that challenges the quadriceps to maintain knee extension while the hip moves through flexion.
Clinical Purpose
Used to develop quadriceps control and lower-extremity strength while reinforcing the ability to maintain an extended knee during active hip movement.
Primary Muscles
Quadriceps
Secondary contribution from the hip flexors.
How to Perform
Lie on your back with the working leg straight and the opposite knee bent. Tighten the quadriceps and fully straighten the working knee. Keeping the knee extended, lift the leg from the hip to the desired height. Lower the leg under control while maintaining knee extension throughout the repetition.
Coaching Cues
- Tighten the quadriceps before lifting.
- Keep the knee fully straight.
- Lift from the hip.
- Keep the pelvis and trunk relaxed.
- Control the lowering phase.
- Reset quadriceps tension before each repetition if needed.
Common Errors
- Allowing the knee to bend or develop an extensor lag.
- Lifting the leg before establishing quadriceps tension.
- Excessive pelvic rotation.
- Using momentum to lift the leg.
- Raising the leg higher than can be controlled.
- Losing knee extension during the lowering phase.
Common Clinical Uses
Early knee rehabilitation, postoperative knee rehabilitation, quadriceps weakness or inhibition, restoration of active knee-extension control, and progression from isolated quadriceps activation toward more demanding strengthening exercises.
Programming
2–4 sets of 8–15 repetitions.
Repetition volume and range can be adjusted based on quadriceps control, fatigue, symptoms, and the stage of rehabilitation.
Regression
Perform quad sets without lifting the leg, decrease the height of the leg raise, or use assistance to maintain knee extension.
Progression
Increase repetition volume, add light resistance when appropriate, or progress toward more demanding open- and closed-chain quadriceps strengthening exercises.
Equipment Needed
Bodyweight
Rehab Phase
Early
PRO+ Clinical Pearl
The quality checkpoint is knee extension, not how high the athlete can lift the leg. If an extensor lag develops, reduce the range or return to quadriceps activation work until the athlete can maintain a straight knee throughout the repetition.
