There are different types of exercises that are categorized more specifically than strengthening, those categories are called open or closed chain exercises.
Kinetic Chain
The kinetic chain can best be described as the body chain being connected to perform an activity or as the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA.com) describes it “the collective effort of 2 or more joints to move the body”.
The kinetic chain can also be thought of by the song we learned as kids “the foot bone is connected to the ankle bone; the ankle bone is connected to the leg bone” and so on.
Upper Kinetic Chain
As you can imagine this pertains to the upper body:
- Fingers
- Wrists
- Elbows
- Shoulders
- Shoulder blades
- Spine
Lower Kinetic Chain
These pertain to the lower body:
- Toes
- Foot
- Ankles
- Knees
- Hips
- Pelvis
- Spine
2 Types of Kinetic chain exercises and the differences
There are 2 types of Kinetic chains: open and closed. Every person everyday uses these open or closed chains to move or perform an activity. Those activities can be as simple as walking or as complex as doing a push up.
Closed chain exercises are performed when the end point of the body is fixed to the ground or a hard surface. For example: squat or push up
Open chain exercises are performed when the end point of the body is not fixed to the ground or a hard surface (free in space). For example: bench press or leg extension machine.
Another big difference is, usually the open chain exercises work only 1 joint and muscle group while the closed chain works multiple joints and muscle groups. Let’s take the examples from earlier: during a squat (closed chain), the ankles, knees, and hips are all moving. Whereas in the leg extension (open chain), only the knee is moving.
What is the Relevance for Physical Therapy?
In PT, open and closed chain exercises are used for different reasons including if you want to isolate a muscle group (open chain) or if posture or stabilization is the goal (closed).
In my practice, I will use more open chain exercises for earlier on in the rehabilitation process and closed later. There are always instances when closed might be used sooner as well, like trying to improve Weight bearing through leg following surgery. In this instance, I will have them perform SLS on the involved Leg.
Examples of Open Chain Exercises and Activities
Bicep Curl
Tricep Extension
Lifting your leg while lying down
Examples of Closed Chain Exercises and Activities
Lunges
Bridges
Squats
Step ups
