Open-or closed-kinetic chain exercises after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction

Abstract

Objective To observe the clinical effects of open kinetic chain and closed kinetic chain exercise in the early period of anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction rehabilitation,provide the theoretical and clinical experiences for the early rehabilitation of the anterior cruciate ligament reconstructed knee.Methods From February 2009 to June 2010,60 patients undergoing single-bundle anterior cruciate ligament reconstructions by using hamstring tendon allograft were enrolled in the study,and were divided into two groups:open kinetic chain group(30 cases,30 knees)and closed kinetic chain group(30 cases,30 knees).In accordance with the rehabilitation procedures for six months,no statistically significant differences were found between the two groups in Lysholm scores,International Knee Documentation Committee(IKDC)scores and one-leg hop test preoperative.The active and passive range of notion,Lysholm scores,IKDC scores,one-leg hop test and KT-1000 were evaluated three and six months after surgery.Results Three months after surgery,no significant differences were found in passive range of motion,Lysholm scores,IKDC scores,but significant differences were found in active range of motion,one-leg hop test and KT-1000,and the closed kinetic chain group was significantly better than the open kinetic chain group.Six months after surgery,no significant differences were found in active range of motion,passive range of motion,one-leg hop test,Lysholm scores,IKDC scores,but significant difference in KT-1000,and the closed kinetic chain group was significantly better than the open kinetic chain group.Conclusion Closed kinetic chain exercise is benefit for recovery of muscles strength,proprioception and protect the graft in the early rehabilitation period after anterior cruciate liganent reconstruction. Key words: Anterior cruciate ligament; Rehabilitation; Reconstructive surgical procedures