Open kinetic chain exercises
Open kinetic chain exercises (OKC) or open chain exercises are exercises that are performed where the hand or foot is free to move. These exercises are typically non-weight bearing, with the movement occurring at the elbow or knee joint. If there is any weight applied it is applied to the distal portion of the limb. The opposite of OKC are closed kinetic chain exercises (CKC). Both are effective for strengthening and rehabilitation objectives.[1] Closed chain exercises tend to offer more functional benefits such as jumping and squatting.[2]
References
- ^ Open and closed kinetic chain exercises improve shoulder joint reposition sense equally in healthy subjects. Rogol IM, Ernst G, Perrin DH. J Athl Train. 1998 Oct;33(4):315-8.
- ^ Weight training of the thigh muscles using closed vs. open kinetic chain exercises: a comparison of performance enhancement. Augustsson J, Esko A, Thomeé R, Svantesson U. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 1998 Jan;27(1):3-8.