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Leg Press (Limited ROM, 0-60°)

Draftstrength85%beginnermoderate evidence
View FHIR resourceFHIR R4 ActivityDefinition — the interoperable form of this exercise

Positions & Range of Motion

Start
seated in a leg-press machine, long spine and quiet trunk against the back pad, both feet flat on the platform hip-width, knees near full extension at the start
End
platform pressed away through both heels back toward extension after a controlled descent stopped at the 60° marker, knees kept hip-width
Range of Motion
0–60° knee flexion only (limited depth to minimize patellofemoral stress)

How to Perform

Leg press machine restricted to 0-60° knee flexion to minimize patellofemoral stress. Maximum VMO:VL ratio occurs at 60° in CKC exercises. Appropriate for early-stage patellofemoral pain when full-depth squats are too provocative. Adding isometric hip adduction increases VMO activation without increasing VL.

Watch on YouTube

Opens a YouTube search for “Leg Press (Limited ROM, 0-60°)

Equipment:leg press machine
Starting position: seated

Coaching Cues

  1. 1

    Long spine, quiet trunk — quads drive the press

    (verbal)
  2. 2

    Push the platform away through both heels

    (verbal)
  3. 3

    Stop the descent at the 60° marker

    (verbal)
  4. 4

    Knees stay hip-width — squeeze a ball between them

    (tactile)

Evidence-Based Dosing & EMG Data

Recommended Dosing

3×15-30 reps, 0-60° knee flexion, 3-5 days/week; progress depth as tolerated [APTA 2020, Neal 2024]

EMG Activation Data

CKC exercises: VMO:VL approaching 1:1 [Chen 2018]. Max VMO:VL at 60° knee flexion [Tang 2001]. Hip adduction during press: VMO:VL 1.14:1 [Irish 2010]

Muscles Involved (3)

Primary Movers

Quadriceps FemorisVMO emphasis — max VMO:VL ratio at 60° [Tang 2001]

Secondary Movers

Gluteus MaximusHip extension component

Stabilizers

Hamstrings (Group)Co-contraction for knee stability

Easier Variations ↓

1

Quad Sets / SLR

Isometric quadriceps activation or straight leg raises if leg press is too provocative.

2

Partial ROM Leg Press

Restrict to 0-30° if 60° is painful. Very low PF forces in this range.

Harder Variations ↑

1

Deeper ROM Leg Press

Progress to 0-90° as symptoms allow. Monitor for anterior knee pain at deeper angles.

2

Single-Leg Press

Unilateral leg press for increased demand. Maintain 0-60° range.

Target Movements (2)

Knee ExtensionTibiofemoral Joint
Hip ExtensionHip Joint (Coxofemoral)

Why This Exercise Matters

Everyday activities this exercise helps you do — essential means it directly trains the capacity the task needs:

Goals This Helps With

Rehab, performance, prevention, and mobility goals this exercise supports — essential means it's a cornerstone:

Evidence Sources (7)