The Knee and Patellofemoral Joints 295Study Questions and Applications (continued)
- A dancer’s teacher has noted that his knees are “hyperextending” at takeoff and “falling in”
when landing in plié.
a. Describe what joint motions could be occurring at the spine, hip, and knee that could
contribute to these technique errors.
b. Describe how the “locking mechanism” of the knee could contribute to these technique
errors and how its negative effect could be minimized.
c. Identify appropriate strength and flexibility exercises that could be utilized to maximize
jump height and help prevent the undesired motions of the knee.
d. Provide three cues that could be utilized to try to implement the desired technique adjust-
ments.