- Open kinetic chain exercises
- What is it?
- Open chain exercises (OKC) are exercises that are performed where the hand or foot is free to move.
- When weight is added to an open-chain exercise, it is usually placed at the distal portion of the limb, such as the hand or foot.
- Pro and cons
- It can be easily manipulated to selectively target specific muscles.
- They are more likely to result in injury.
- Example
- Closed kinetci chain exercises
- What is it?
- Closed kinetic chain exercises or closed chain exercises (CKC) are physical exercises performed where the hand (for arm movement) or foot (for leg movement) is fixed in space and cannot move. The extremity remains in constant contact with the immobile surface, usually the ground or the base of a machine.
- These exercises are typically weight bearing exercise, where an exerciser uses one’s own body weight and/ or external weight.
- Pro and Cons
- Closed-chain exercises work multiple joints and multiple muscle groups at once.
- Many therapiets
- Examples