A comparison of the effects of closed and open kinetic chain exercises on functional status in patellofemoral pain syndrome

Purpose: The aim of this study was to compare closed kinetic chain (CKC) and open kinetic chain (OKC) exercises provided as home exercise program in patients with patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS). Methods: Twenty-seven (mean age: 37.77 +/- 5.19 years) of the 54 patients diagnosed as unilateral PFPS, were randomly assigned to OKC exercises and 27 (mean age: 38.25 +/- 3.97 years) patients were given CKC exercises as home program for 8 weeks. Pretreatment and post-treatment evaluations were performed using Visual Analogue Scale and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) to assess pain and functional status, respectively. In addition, compliance with exercise program was evaluated using a chart. Results: With respect to initial evaluation no differences were observed between the groups in age, height, body weight, duration of pain, body mass index, and level of education (p>0.05). Pre-treatment and post-treatment values of resting and activity pain, total WOMAC score and its subheadings also did not differ between the groups (p> 0.05). Differences found in all results when pre and post-treatment evaluations were compared within groups (p< 0.05). Discussion: It was determined that the effects of CKC and OKC exercises provided as home program in patients with PFPS on pain and functional status were similar.