Massage Therapy III Practice Exam 2026 - Free Massage Therapist Practice Questions and Study Guide

During initial contact to mid-stance, gravity creates a tendency for the knee to flex as weight loads the limb. The knee extensors, primarily the quadriceps, contract to counter this and keep the knee stable, controlling knee flexion as you transition into mid-stance. This action is often eccentric early on to absorb shock and prevent buckling. The other muscles listed don’t serve this knee-extension counteraction: hamstrings promote knee flexion, gastrocnemius also assists knee flexion and plantarflexion, and gluteus maximus mainly extends the hip.