The effectiveness of open versus closed kinetic chain exercises on pain, function and range of motion in patients with knee osteoarthritis

Abstract

Background: Material and methods: Results: Conclusions: The comparative efficacy of open and closed kinetic chain exercises (OKCE and CKCE) on the symptoms of osteoarthritis (OA) has not been exhaustively studied. To evaluate and compare the effectiveness of eight-week open OKCE and CKCE on pain, function and range of motion of patients with knee OA. ‪A quasi-experimental study involved twenty-nine consecutive patients with knee OA allocated to either OKCE or CKCE groups. Participants’ pain intensity (PI), functional score (FS), active range of motion AROM) and knee passive range of motion (PROM) were assessed using the visual analogue scale, the functional index questionnaire and a half-circle universal goniometer respectively at baseline and at the end of weeks 4 and 8. ‪The groups were not significantly different (p > 0.05) on any of the four outcomes at any time point of the study (PI: 0.825; FS: 0.480; AROM: 0.363; PROM: 0.662). There was a significant time effect for all measures as pain intensity (p < 0.001) significantly decreased while FS, AROM and PROM significantly increased (p ≤ 0.001, 0.002, 0.007, respectively) overtime from baseline to the 8th week (p < 0.05). Group by time interaction was not significant (p > 0.05) for all four measures. Both exercise regimens have comparable effects on pain, function and knee range of motion.