Closed versus open chain
It is not always easy for patients to decide if an exercise is open chain or closed chain.
"....During [open kinetic chain] exercise, the distal segment of the body parts is not fixed, and it can move freely. Knee extension in the sitting position and straight leg raising (SLR) in the lying position are examples of OKC exercises. On the other hand, during [closed kinetic chain] exercise, the distal segment of body parts remains stationary on the ground...."
"Based upon existing published data it is difficult to make a case for superiority of either open or closed chain kinetic exercise rehabilitation after ACL reconstruction."
Examples of closed chain exercises
Knee exercises that are closed chain include:
Other relevant links
Early knee exercises - visual chart, Open chain exercise, Leg press, Mini squats, Step ups, Standing wall slides
Forum discussions
- "define open chain exercises?" - Patients trying to understand the difference between open and closed chain exercises.