OPEN VERSUS CLOSED CHAIN KINETIC EXERCISES AFTER ANTERIOR CRUCIATE LIGAMENT RECONSTRUCTION - A PROSPECTIVE RANDOMIZED STUDY

We conducted a prospective, randomized study of open and closed kineti c chain exercises during accelerated rehabilitation after anterior cru ciate ligament reconstruction to determine if closed kinetic chain exe rcises are safe and if they offer any advantages over conventional reh abilitation. The closed kinetic chain group used a length of elastic t ubing, the Sport Cord, to perform weightbearing exercises and the open kinetic chain group used conventional physical therapy equipment. Res ults are reported with a minimum 1-year followup (mean, 19 months), Pr e- and postoperative evaluation included the Lysholm knee function sco ring scale, Tegner activity rating scale and KT-1000 arthrometer measu rements. Overall, stability was restored in over 90% of the knees. Pre operative patellofemoral pain was reduced significantly; 95% of the pa tients had a full range of motion, The closed kinetic chain group had lower mean KT-1000 arthrometer side-to-side differences, less patellof emoral pain, was generally more satisfied with the end result, and mor e often thought they returned to normal daily activities and sports so oner than expected, We concluded that closed kinetic chain exercises a re safe and effective and offer some important advantages over open ki netic chain exercises. As a result of this study, we now use the close d kinetic chain protocol exclusively after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.