Chapter 37 - Biomechanical principles of exercise prescription in knee rehabilitation

Abstract

The knee joint is most prone to injury and degeneration. Knee dysfunctions are a common physical condition that affects patients’ ability to perform tasks normally. Weakness, injury, or surgical reconstruction of one or more components of the knee joints may affect the compensatory biomechanics of other intact tissues, increasing the likelihood of future joint degeneration and injury. In order to provide effective nonoperative and postoperative care for knee joint problems, successful rehabilitation programs must be implemented. As part of the rehabilitation process following an injury or a repair, joint ligaments and cartilage should be protected from excessive loads and strains. As a result, knowing knee anatomy and biomechanics is critical to preventing knee injuries and maximizing knee rehabilitation. Thus, the purpose of this chapter is to provide an overview of knee anatomy, normal knee biomechanics, common abnormal knee biomechanics, and various biomechanically based rehabilitation approaches. To begin, this chapter presented an overview of knee anatomy and biomechanics of both tibiofemoral and patellofemoral joints. Second, this chapter addresses biomechanical concerns for exercise prescription in the rehabilitation of knee dysfunctions. Third, a brief discussion of the clinical applicability of open and closed kinematic chain exercises in various knee conditions is provided. Finally, a chapter summary is included.