Following knee surgery quadricep strength is reduced about 60% and cross-sectional area is decreased about 10% from preoperative levels. Lower limb rehabilitation programs almost always at some point include the leg press to strengthen the quads during the rehabilitative process. The Pendulum Seated Squat Pro was designed to translate the reciprocating motion of the quadricep musculature to match the rotary movement of the knee and is extremely forgiving to the operative area, as it is being returned to normal strength values.
The Squat Pro allows you to move from a fused bilateral leg press to a single leg independent action with a simple lever. During the rehabilitation process it is important to compare the strength levels of the previously injured leg with the uninjured limb. This requires several sets on the one legged portion of the leg press. Often the injured leg and unaffected leg can perform an equal maximum number of repetitions in the first set of a single limb press. After the second or third set there may be a dramatic difference in the number of repetitions achievable and further single leg rehabilitation may be required.
When the operative leg and injured leg are equally strong and exhibit the same endurance and ability to recover quickly, more aggressive activity is resumed. Periodically returning to the single leg press is imperative, as normally the good or unaffected leg usually quickly jumps ahead of the injured leg when physical movement begins at close to normal values.
Having a single limb movement as a regular part of an athletes exercise regime is simply good coaching. All athletes receive bumps, bruises, sprains and are involved in repetitive actions that favor one side of the body over the other. Checking things out by comparing strength levels of appendages is just part of the coaching process to Get and keep Strong.
