Peterson Step Up - How to target the VMO, knee pain exercise

Exercise Overview

The Peterson Step Up is a knee-focused strengthening exercise that targets the quadriceps, particularly the vastus medialis obliquus (VMO), while training controlled movement through the knee. It is commonly used to improve patellofemoral mechanics, single-leg stability, and tolerance to stair-related activities in people with knee pain.

Muscles Involved

QuadricepsVastus medialis obliquusVastus lateralisRectus femorisGluteus mediusGluteus maximusSoleus

Related Conditions

Patellofemoral pain syndromeAnterior knee painChondromalacia patellaQuadriceps weaknessKnee valgus control deficitsPost-operative knee rehabilitationTendinopathy around the patellar tendon

Equipment Needed

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