A Study to Compare Effectiveness of Closed Kinetic Chain Exercises Verus Open Kinetic Chain Exercises in Patients with Osteoarthritic Knee Joints

Introduction: The goal of individualized programme requires critical analysis of potential benefits and limitations between Open kinetic chain(OKC) and Closed kinetic chain(CKC) in Osteoarthritis knee .OKC exercises involve motions where the distal segment is free to move in space, without causing simultaneous motions at adjacent joints while in CKC exercise distal segment is fixed or stabilized on a support surface.

Aim of Study: To study the effects of Closed Kinetic Chain Exercise and Open Kinetic Chain Exercise in Osteoarthritis Knee.

Methodology: A Clinical trial consisted of 30 patients, diagnosed with tibiofemoral OA, as per the Inclusion&Exclusion Criteria were recruited from orthopedic Out-patient Department to Physiotherapy Department, Civil Hospital, Ahmedabad. Patients were divided into two,one group was given OKC and other group CKC exercises. The functional outcome were pain measured on visual analogue scale (VAS)&Function by Western Ontario and McMaster universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) taken on the 1st day&after 8 weeks.

Results: There is no significant difference as per Wilcoxen Signed Rank and Wilcoxen Sum rank test between CKC and OKC Exercises along with conventional therapy in reducing pain and improving Physical Function in patients with Osteoarthritis Knee.

Discussion: CKC exercises, in acute phase was painful compared to OKC exercises due to weightbearing position. But later on as patients always want improvement in their activity like squatting, walking, stair climbing, CKC help them in their functional rehabilitation. So ultimate rehabilitation programme of Osteoarthritis Knee patient should include both OKC exercises and CKC exercises.

Conclusion: CKC exercise along with conventional therapy as effective as OKC exercise for improving the pain and functional disability