Combined Open and Closed Kinetic Chain Exercises for Patellofemoral

Patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS) is a common ailment of the knee. Both open and closed kinetic chain exercises are effective in strengthening of the quadriceps muscle. It has been suggested that these exercises are used jointly in the management of PFPS, but no study to date has evaluated the effect of combined open and closed kinetic chain exercises on PFPS. The present randomized controlled trial aimed to evaluate six weeks of combined open and closed kinetic chain exercises on PFPS patients. For this purpose, 28 patients with PFPS (10 males and 18 females) were assigned to exercise and control groups randomly. Exercise group performed combined open and closed kinetic chain exercises for six weeks. Subjective symptoms, functional performance, knee flexion during stair ascent and descent by the patients were assessed before and after the 6-week exercise program. Results of the study indicated that after six weeks, pain decreased significantly and Anterior Knee Pain Scale (AKPS), knee flexion during stair ascent and descent and single leg hop increased significantly in the exercise group. But control group demonstrated significant increase in pain and significant decrease in knee flexion during stair ascent and descent and single leg hop. It is concluded that a combined open and closed kinetic chain exercise program will result in improved subjective and clinical outcomes in the patients with patellofemoral pain syndrome.