Knee Flashcards

(100 cards)

1
Q

What are common knee conditions addressed in Pilates for special populations?

A

ACL tears, meniscus injuries, patellofemoral pain syndrome, osteoarthritis, total knee replacements.

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2
Q

Which knee movements should be avoided after ACL reconstruction?

A

Avoid deep flexion, pivoting, and open-chain knee extension with resistance early on.

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3
Q

What are signs of poor knee alignment during Pilates exercises?

A

Knees collapsing inward, hyperextension, or misalignment with toes during footwork.

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4
Q

Which Pilates exercises help strengthen the quadriceps without joint strain?

A

Bridging, wall sits, terminal knee extension, and quad sets are effective.

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5
Q

How does weak hip control contribute to knee pain?

A

Weak glutes and hips cause compensatory knee movement and poor tracking.

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6
Q

Why is knee tracking important in Pilates for clients with arthritis?

A

It ensures even force distribution and prevents joint stress and cartilage wear.

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7
Q

What modification should be made for footwork on the Reformer after knee surgery?

A

Lower resistance, avoid deep ranges, and ensure proper alignment and control.

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8
Q

What Pilates movements are safe for clients with meniscus tears?

A

Bridging, side-lying leg work, and limited-range footwork without rotation.

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9
Q

How can Pilates help improve knee joint proprioception?

A

By challenging balance and control using stable and unstable platforms.

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10
Q

Why is it important to avoid deep flexion post-total knee replacement?

A

Deep flexion can place stress on healing tissues and prosthetic components.

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11
Q

What are the benefits of closed-chain exercises for knee rehab?

A

They mimic daily activities and reduce shear by stabilizing joints under load.

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12
Q

Which Pilates cues help prevent hyperextension of the knees?

A

“Soften the knees,” “micro-bend,” and “press evenly through feet.”

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13
Q

What equipment-based exercise improves eccentric control of the knee extensors?

A

Negative footwork on Reformer builds eccentric strength safely.

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14
Q

Why should lateral movements be approached with caution in knee rehab?

A

Lateral movements may stress healing ligaments or meniscus.

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15
Q

What muscles help stabilize the knee during Pilates exercises?

A

Quadriceps, hamstrings, glutes, and calf muscles all support knee stability.

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16
Q

What role does ankle mobility play in knee alignment?

A

Restricted ankle movement can cause compensations up the chain to the knees.

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17
Q

Which exercise helps strengthen knee extension with minimal impact?

A

Terminal knee extensions, wall sits, and quad sets build control.

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18
Q

How can clients with patellofemoral pain syndrome benefit from Pilates?

A

It improves strength and alignment without increasing joint stress.

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19
Q

What causes valgus knee collapse during weight-bearing movement?

A

Poor hip strength, foot pronation, or weak glutes often cause valgus collapse.

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20
Q

What type of resistance is appropriate during early knee rehab?

A

Use light springs and bodyweight resistance to ensure control and safety.

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21
Q

How does Pilates address compensations due to limited knee range of motion?

A

By targeting alignment, correcting asymmetries, and encouraging safe ranges.

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22
Q

Which Pilates exercises should be avoided in acute knee inflammation?

A

Avoid jumping, deep squats, or twisting that may inflame the joint.

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23
Q

Why is core engagement important for proper knee alignment in Pilates?

A

The core supports pelvis and hip position, ensuring correct knee alignment.

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24
Q

What Reformer setup supports proper knee mechanics during leg press?

A

Use two red springs, align knees with hips and feet, and cue even pressing.

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25
What are safe stretching techniques for clients with knee sensitivity?
Gentle hamstring, calf, or quad stretches in supported positions.
26
How can Pilates be modified for clients with knee joint replacements?
Use low resistance, focus on alignment, and avoid kneeling or twisting.
27
What does crepitus in the knee indicate during movement?
Grinding or popping noises that may indicate cartilage wear or joint stress.
28
Why is symmetrical leg work important in knee rehabilitation?
It ensures both limbs are working evenly to prevent further imbalance.
29
What are signs of instability in the knee during Pilates?
Shifting, wobbling, or verbal complaints during knee-loaded exercises.
30
Which Pilates principles support knee joint rehabilitation?
Concentration, control, and precision help prevent injury and reinforce alignment.
31
What should be avoided during Pilates for clients with recent knee surgery?
No kneeling, deep lunges, or loaded flexion until cleared by a medical professional.
32
Why are small range, supported exercises recommended in early rehab?
To build strength and confidence while minimizing joint strain.
33
What props can assist knee stabilization during mat work?
Small ball, yoga block, or strap to support alignment and stability.
34
How does strengthening hamstrings support knee joint health?
Hamstrings assist in joint stability and reduce anterior tibial translation.
35
Why should deep squatting positions be avoided in some knee conditions?
They can place stress on meniscus or limit synovial fluid circulation.
36
What exercises target the VMO (vastus medialis obliquus)?
Terminal knee extension with resistance or isometric quad contractions.
37
What is a safe modification for bridging in clients with knee pain?
Use feet flat, neutral pelvis, and avoid forcing upward with knees.
38
Which foot position promotes safe alignment during Reformer footwork?
Second toe should align with kneecap; feet hip-width and parallel.
39
How does limited dorsiflexion affect knee movement in Pilates?
It can create forward shift and increase stress on the knees.
40
What mat exercises are ideal for improving knee strength and control?
Bridging, seated leg lifts, and straight-leg raises are safe options.
41
Why is isometric contraction useful in knee rehab?
Isometric holds activate muscles while minimizing joint movement.
42
What are signs that a Pilates exercise is aggravating a knee condition?
Pain, swelling, compensation, or uneven pressure distribution.
43
What standing exercise builds knee stability and control?
Wall sits, chair squats, and mini lunges promote functional control.
44
What role do glutes play in supporting knee alignment?
Glutes stabilize pelvis, reducing torque and strain on the knees.
45
Which Pilates movements help avoid excessive shear at the knee joint?
Closed-chain footwork, bridging, and lunges minimize shear forces.
46
What guidelines should be followed for kneeling exercises in knee-sensitive clients?
Avoid long kneeling; use padding or substitute with standing options.
47
How can Pilates improve postural control in clients with knee osteoarthritis?
Through strength, alignment awareness, and flexibility training.
48
What muscle imbalances commonly lead to knee pain in Pilates clients?
Tight quads or calves, weak glutes, and hip misalignment.
49
How does foot alignment influence knee joint tracking in Pilates?
Feet should be hip-width, parallel, and weight evenly distributed.
50
Why is breath work important during Pilates for knee rehab?
It encourages relaxation and improves neuromuscular coordination.
51
What is the recommended Reformer foot position for clients with knee pain?
Feet parallel, hip-width apart, pressing evenly through heels.
52
How does Pilates help with post-surgical knee swelling?
Low-impact motion encourages circulation and lymphatic flow.
53
What Reformer spring setting is best for safe knee joint work?
Light to moderate springs (1–2 red) for control and alignment.
54
What are signs that a client’s knee is compensating during movement?
Wobbling, misalignment, or overuse of other joints or muscles.
55
How can Pilates improve functional knee extension?
Through resisted extension exercises and quad engagement drills.
56
Why is heel alignment important in knee exercises?
Heels should stay grounded and aligned with second toe.
57
Which Pilates movements assist in regaining knee flexion post-injury?
Bridging, footwork with straps, and supported flexion stretches.
58
How can resistance bands be used in knee rehab exercises?
Looped around knees or ankles to cue control and engage stabilizers.
59
What are the benefits of supine leg work for sensitive knees?
Reduces compression, encourages alignment, and builds control.
60
What alignment should be monitored in side-lying leg work?
Keep hips stacked and knee tracking aligned with the hip and foot.
61
Why is it important to strengthen the posterior chain for knee stability?
Hamstrings and glutes support proper movement and reduce strain.
62
What Pilates cue helps reduce quad dominance in leg press work?
“Drive from the heel,” “use your glutes,” “lengthen through the spine.”
63
How do weak abductors affect knee joint health?
They lead to internal rotation and valgus stress on knees.
64
What Pilates movement helps train terminal knee extension?
Isometric terminal knee extension or resisted quad press.
65
Why should overpressure be avoided in post-operative knee recovery?
To avoid inflammation, swelling, or tissue strain.
66
What are appropriate standing exercises for developing knee control?
Mini squats, step-ups, wall sits with control.
67
Why is knee flexion range sometimes limited post-total knee replacement?
Due to stiffness, scar tissue, and surgical hardware.
68
Which muscle imbalances should be corrected to relieve knee pain?
Tight quads, weak glutes and hamstrings, poor foot mechanics.
69
How can Pilates improve single-leg stance tolerance in knee rehab?
Through supported balance work and glute engagement.
70
What is the role of the VMO in knee joint alignment?
The vastus medialis obliquus helps track the kneecap correctly.
71
Why is early quad activation critical after knee surgery?
It prevents muscle atrophy and helps regain strength early.
72
What Pilates exercises safely promote dynamic knee control?
Lunges, step-ups, and bridging with cueing.
73
Why is consistent cueing of knee tracking important?
To reinforce safe habits and prevent misalignment.
74
What symptoms suggest joint irritation during Pilates knee exercises?
Sharp pain, joint swelling, clicking, or instability.
75
What standing cue supports proper knee-pelvis alignment?
“Keep knees soft,” “stack hips over knees,” “press evenly.”
76
How can mat exercises assist with patellar tracking?
Straight leg raises, bridges, and wall slides support tracking.
77
Why is weight-bearing symmetry important for knees?
It ensures balanced muscle engagement and reduces joint load.
78
What exercise helps retrain proper knee control during descent?
Chair squats or wall sits with controlled descent.
79
What cues reduce valgus stress during squats or lunges?
“Press knees outward,” “track over second toe,” “engage glutes.”
80
Why should open-chain resisted knee extension be avoided early post-op?
It increases shear force on the healing knee joint.
81
What Pilates exercise supports safe mobility for arthritic knees?
Side-lying kicks, quad sets, and supported bridging.
82
How can Pilates be used as part of prehab for knee surgery?
It builds strength, alignment, and neuromuscular readiness.
83
What positioning reduces shear forces on the knee during extension?
Foot flat, spine neutral, avoid pushing past comfort zone.
84
What is a sign of excessive strain on the patellofemoral joint?
Grinding, pinching, or anterior knee pain.
85
How do hip rotators influence knee mechanics in Pilates?
They stabilize the femur and reduce torque on the joint.
86
What role does tibial alignment play in effective knee work?
It ensures proper joint alignment during movement.
87
Why is soft surface work beneficial for knee proprioception?
Soft mats or foam increase challenge and body awareness.
88
What Reformer series develops strength and control in knee flexion?
Leg presses and short spine series with spring control.
89
What mat exercise mimics sit-to-stand safely?
Wall slides and mini squats closely mimic the motion.
90
How should knee-sensitive clients approach rolling exercises?
Use smaller range, avoid momentum, and support knees with props.
91
Why is even hamstring and quad development important in Pilates?
To support balance and even knee joint loading.
92
What are safe bridging variations for knee pain?
Bridge with knees over ankles, avoid high lifts, keep neutral pelvis.
93
How can Pilates support lateral stability in the knees?
Glutes and abductors reduce medial collapse and maintain alignment.
94
What equipment adjustments improve safety for sensitive knees?
Add padding, raise carriage height, and cue alignment.
95
Which directional control is most limited after meniscus injury?
Rotation and deep flexion are commonly affected.
96
Why does knee hypermobility require joint control training in Pilates?
It helps prevent injury and strengthens joint awareness.
97
How can small props help improve knee alignment in footwork?
Ball between thighs or block at ankles cue proper alignment.
98
What is the purpose of resisted terminal knee extension drills?
Build quad control and stabilize the patella at end range.
99
How should deep lunges be modified for knee protection?
Reduce depth, use support, and cue glute activation.
100
What feedback method improves knee alignment in mat work?
Use mirrors, tactile cues, or small ball between knees for feedback.