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ALTERNATING KNEE RAISES WITH DUMBBELLS

Strengthen hip flexors and improve lower body coordination through alternating knee raise movements with dumbbell stabilization.

Focus Lower Body
Environment Hydrotherapy pool
Pool Depth Fully Anchored
Supervision Not required
Equipment Yes

How to Perform

  1. Stand in chest-deep water with feet together, dumbbell floats in each hand with arms by sides.
  2. Keep pelvis and trunk stable throughout movement.
  3. Raise right knee until thigh is parallel to water surface.
  4. Lower right leg and immediately raise left knee to parallel position.
  5. Continue alternating knee raises for 10 repetitions at 30 beats per minute cadence.

Key Execution Cues

Remember: Do not move trunk. Keep pelvis stable. Raise thighs to parallel only, avoid excessive hip flexion. Dumbbells provide stability and slight resistance. Breathe rhythmically.

Safety & Precautions

Important: Avoid if acute hip flexor strain or recent hip surgery. Use caution with lumbar flexion intolerance.

Additional Safety Notes: Avoid if hip flexor pain develops. Maintain upright posture. Do not lean backward to compensate.

Exercise Modifications

Make it Harder (Progressions)

Increase cadence to 35-40 bpm. Add second set. Increase knee lift height slightly if form maintained.

Make it Easier (Regressions)

Reduce knee lift height. Slow cadence to 20-25 bpm. Use pool wall for support instead of dumbbells.

Attribution

Source TypePDF
Original AuthorPsycharakis SG, et al.
ContributorAI Extraction Agent
PublicationPhysiotherapy 116 (2022) 108-118 - The WATER Study
LicenseAll Rights Reserved
Credit RequiredYes
Date Created2026-01-18
Last Modified2026-01-18

External Source

TypePDF
Additional InfoCross-sectional study with 20 CLBP participants, water temp 28°C, depth 1.25m