Exercise Effectiveness in Knee Osteoarthritis Treatment Revealed

Strategic Insights -

A new study published in the Journal of Sports and Exercise Science, Retos: Nuevas Tendencias en Educacion Fisica, Deportes y Recreacion, has found that both open kinetic chain (OKC) and closed kinetic chain (CKC) exercises are effective in improving dynamic balance and health status in elderly patients with knee osteoarthritis. The research, conducted by the Department of Nursing at the Health Polytechnic of Ministry of Health Jambi, Indonesia, involved 30 elderly individuals aged 60 years with a medical diagnosis of knee osteoarthritis. The study found that CKC exercises tend to provide greater benefits in overall functional improvement.

Key Takeaways:

  • The research concluded that both OKC and CKC exercises are effective in improving dynamic balance and health status in elderly patients with knee osteoarthritis.
  • The study involved 30 elderly individuals aged 60 years with a medical diagnosis of knee osteoarthritis.
  • The participants were divided into two groups: 15 participants performed CKC exercises and 15 participants performed OKC exercises for two weeks with a frequency of three sessions per week.
  • The Western Ontario and McMaster Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) was used to assess health status, and the Time Up and Go Test (TUG) was used to assess dynamic balance.
  • The study found a significant reduction in WOMAC scores in both the CKC group (38.47 ± 8.16 to 32.60 ± 9.43; p ≤ 0.05) and the OKC group (39.85 ± 9.51 to 34.92 ± 10.63; p ≤ 0.05).
  • CKC exercises tend to provide greater benefits in overall functional improvement.

Statistics:

  • 30 elderly individuals aged 60 years with a medical diagnosis of knee osteoarthritis participated in the study.
  • 15 participants performed CKC exercises and 15 participants performed OKC exercises for two weeks with a frequency of three sessions per week.
  • The WOMAC scores showed a significant reduction in both the CKC group (38.47 ± 8.16 to 32.60 ± 9.43; p ≤ 0.05) and the OKC group (39.85 ± 9.51 to 34.92 ± 10.63; p ≤ 0.05).
  • The TUG test was used to assess dynamic balance, but the results were not provided in the news report.

Sources:

  • "The effect of open kinetic chain and closed kinetic chain exercises on dynamic balance and health status in elderly patients with osteoarthritis." Retos: Nuevas Tendencias en Educacion Fisica, Deportes y Recreacion, 2025,73.
  • https://doi-org.sdpl.idm.oclc.org/10.47197/retos.v73.117609