Open vs Closed Kinetic Chain Exercises

1. Open vs Closed Kinetic Chain Exercises

2. Closed Kinetic chain exercise When the distal segment of the lower extremity is fixed ( as in when foot is weight bearing) the kinetic chain is said to be closed Open vs Closed

3. Open vs closed • Open Kinetic Chain exercise • The distal segment is mobile ( not fixed)

4. Open vs Closed • Despite the recent popularity in rehab to use closed kinetic chain exercises , both open and closed exercises do have there place in a rehab program

5. Characteristics • Closed kinetic chain exercises • Increased joint congruency thus stability • Decreased joint shear • Decreased acceleration forces • Large resistance forces • Stimulation of proprioceptors • Enhanced dynamic stability

6. Characteristics • Open kinetic chain exercises • Increased acceleration forces • Decreased resistance forces • Increased distraction and rotational forces • Increase deformation of joint and muscle mechanoreceptors

7. Closed vs Open • From a biomechanical perspective it has been suggested that closed kinetic chain exercises are safer and produce forces and stresses that are potentially less of a threat to healing structures • Closed kinetic chain exercises tend to be more functional

8. CKC & Lower Extremities • In sport medicine setting several different CKC exercises have gained popularity • Mini – squats, wall slides, leg press lateral step ups, step ups, lunges, slide board , terminal knee extension using tubing, BAPS board , mini-tramp

9. CKC & Upper Extremities • CKC exercises are used mostly in lower extremity rehab , however they can be incorporated into upper extremity rehab • Examples include push ups (bench press), chin ups, hand stands