Quad sets or quads sets are knee rehabilitation exercises to keep the quadriceps (quads) muscles from becoming inhibited after injury or surgery.

Page updated November 2023 by Dr Sheila Strover (Clinical Editor)

quad sets positioning

Positioning for quad sets exercises. Contract the quads and hold the contraction for 10 seconds, if necessary trying to push the knee down onto the bed.

quad sets exercise

Bending the knee slightly with a soft towel or foam will help the exercise.

 

Quads muscle inhibition

Impaired functioning of the quads muscle group is thought to arise from central nervous system alterations that can occur after knee injury as a protective mechanism to prevent further injury.

Back to top

 

Back to top

 

Peer-reviewed papers

Back to top

 

Synonyms: 
static quads
quads sets
-
-

Dr Sheila Strover (Editor)
BSc (Hons), MB BCh, MBA

See biography...


Relevant material -


 

eBook - Cornerstones of Early Knee Rehabilitation

Easy to read principles with illustrated exercises. Written by Mr Sebastiano Nutarelli (Physiotherapist). Free to download.