Effects of Open Versus Closed Kinetic Chain Exercises in Patients with Knee Osteoarthritis

Abstract

Objective: We aimed to evaluate the effects of open versus closed kinetic chain exercises in patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA) in this study. Material and Methods: Thirty eight patients with knee OA were randomized into two groups as the open kinetic chain exercise (OKCE) group (n = 19) and the closed kinetic chain exercise (CKCE) group (n = 19). All subjects received physical therapy modalities including 20 minute Hot Pack (HP), 20 minute Transcuteneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) and 20 minute Short Wave Diatermi. A total of 18 sessions were held. The CKCE and OKCE were performed 30 minutes/day under the researcher's supervision. Then the patients continued to exercise at home for 3 weeks. The Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), the Medical Outcomes Study Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) and Visual Analog Scale (VAS) were used in the assessment of the patients before and after 6 weeks of exercise programme. Results: We found statistically significant improvement in VAS values, WOMAC pain, physical function and total WOMAC scores and SF-36 quality of life after treatment in both OCKE and CKCE groups in patients with knee OA (p<0.05). When we compared the rates of change after treatment, there was no statistically significant difference between the groups (p>0.05). Conclusion: As a result, we believe that the intensity and continuity of exercise may be more important than the type of exercise in the rehabilitation of knee OA.