Closed chain exercises are those rehabilitation exercises where the moving limb is continually in contact with the surface of the exercise equipment, eg cycling.
Page updated November 2023 by Dr Sheila Strover (Clinical Editor)
Closed chain exercise
At no point in this mini squat is the limb not in contact with a surface.
Closed versus open chain
In contrast, walking - where the foot is free of any surface for some time - is an open chain exercise. Closed chain exercises are preferred in the early phase of rehabilitation.
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Forum discussions
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Patients trying to understand the difference between open and closed chain exercises.
Peer-reviewed papers
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Quote:
"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."
Citation: Jewiss D, Ostman C, Smart N. Open versus Closed Kinetic Chain Exercises following an Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. J Sports Med (Hindawi Publ Corp). 2017;2017:4721548. doi: 10.1155/2017/4721548. Epub 2017 Aug 17. PMID: 28913413; PMCID: PMC5585614.
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Relevant material -
A-Z of knee exercises -
2018 - A-Z of Rehabilitation Exercises - by Dr Sheila Strover (Clinical Editor)
eBook - Cornerstones of Early Knee Rehabilitation
Easy to read principles with illustrated exercises.