Closed Versus Open Chain Exercises in Management of Chondromalacia Patellae

Abstract

Background and purpose: Chondromalacia Patellae is the "softening of the articular cartilage of the knee-cap. The articular cartilage refers to the cartilage lining under the knee-cap that joins with the knee joint, the condition is more common in girls. The closed and open chain exercises are beneficial in strengthening of the quadriceps muscles and management of chondromalacia patellae. This study was conducted to compare between closed chain exercises and open chain exercises in management of chondromalacia Patellae patients. Subjects and methods: The study included fourty patients and divided randomly into two groups. The first group followed a physical therapy program of closed chain exercises, three sessions per week for three months (mean age = 18.25 ± 1.66 years). The second group submitted to a physical therapy program of open chain exercises, three sessions per week for three months (mean age, 17.75 ± 1.44 years). Outcome measures were rating score system of the japanese orthopaedic association for measuring daily living activities (up and down stairs), universal goniometer to detect range of motion of knee extension from 90º- 0º, and visual analogue scale to measure the pain severity. Results: There was a significant improvement in the first group (t. of pain = 0.004, t. of ROM = 0.005, t. of ADL = 0.006) than in the second group (t. of pain = 0.02, t. of ROM = 0.03, t. of ADL = 0.04). Discussion and Conclusion: This study provides that closed chain exercise is very effect more than open chain exercises in management of chondromalacia Patellae patients.