Efficacy of open versus closed kinetic chain exercises for patients with patellofemoral pain syndrome [Article]

Abstract

The aim of our study was to compare the efficacy of open kinetic chain (OKC) exercises versus closed kinetic chain (CKC) exercises on the pain and functional capacity of patients with patellofemoral pain syndrome. Thirthy patients with diagnosis of patellofemoral pain syndrome were divided into two groups randomly. The two groups each consisting of in 15 patients were taken under OKC or CKC exercise program for 6-weeks. The exercise program were arranged as 3 days per week. All the patients were evaluated before the beginning of their exercise program, at the end of exercise program and 3 months after beginning of their exercise program. Pain during the night, walking, sitting and stepping up-down was evaluated by VAS; functional level was evaluated by Kujala Scale, squat test, step test and tripple jump test; strength of the hamstring, quadriseps femoris and hip adductors was measured by 10 RM. There were no statistically significant differences for pain, functional level and muscle strength measurements between the closed and open kinetic chain exercise groups at the beginning of the exercise program (p > 0,05). At the end of the exercise and three months after the beginning of the exercise program there were statistically significant improvement in pain, functional level and muscle strength of both groups (p<0.01). However there was not significantly difference between the two groups (p>0,05). As a result, we can conclude that both open and closed kinetic chain exercise programs are both effective on pain, function and muscle strength at patients with patellofemoral pain syndrome.