Effect of closed versus open kinetic chain exercise to improve knee muscles strength and balance in elderly population: A hypothetical literature review

Abstract

Background Chronic knee pain is becoming a significant social issue with ageing. The loss in muscle strength and balance with increasing age often lead to physical and quality of life impairments, as well as increased morbidity. Since knee pain and impaired balance are major issues affecting the quality of life of the elderly population, a preventive approach is required to decrease the incidence of muscle weakness and decrease proprioception. Objective to compare the effectiveness of open kinetic-chain (OKC) and closed kinetic-chain (CKC) exercise in improving the elderly population's knee strength and balance. Method A literature review was done where number of previously published articles were searched from various online platforms to find the effectiveness of OKCE versus CKCE in improving knee muscle strength and balance in elderly population. Result Both CKCE and OKCE were found to improve strength in lower leg musculature but OKCE are comparatively more effective strength training program. However, when it comes to improving balance and proprioception, CKCE were found to be more effective. Conclusion OKCE are better strengthening exercise regimes whereas CKCE are better choice of exercise regimes when it comes to improving balance and proprioception.