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why closed chain exercises are better

by Delia Shanahan Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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Closed chain movements usually involve multiple joints and muscles, causing a much more efficient stimulus to allow the body to improve faster, while open chain movements generally isolate specific muscle groups.

Full Answer

What are the benefits of closed-chain exercises?

Rather than having muscle groups work in isolation, closed-chain exercises allow for the simultaneous activation of antagonistic muscle groups (e.g., the quads and the hamstrings during leg squats), thus promoting increased joint stability and a simulation of functional movement patterns.

Are open or closed-chain exercises better?

“The biggest advantage of open chain exercises is that they are far better at isolating a muscle,” says Hegedus. This can be useful when rehabilitating a specific muscle or when training for a sport that requires the use of open chain activities.

Is open chain or closed chain more functional?

Many trainers focus on closed chain exercises in their programs, pointing to the fact that they're typically compound in nature, and therefore more “functional” than open chain moves, which tend to be isolation exercises.

What is closed chain strengthening?

Closed kinetic chain exercises or closed chain exercises (CKC) are physical exercises performed where the hand (for arm movement) or foot (for leg movement) is fixed in space and cannot move. The extremity remains in constant contact with the immobile surface, usually the ground or the base of a machine.

What is the difference between closed and open chain exercises?

In an open kinetic chain the segment furthest away from the body( eg foot) is free and not fixed to an object. In a closed kinetic chain the segment furthest away from the body is fixed.

Is deadlift open or closed chain?

Back squat, front squat, deadlift, and leg press are all closed circuit as well. Open circuit exercises use a single limb or unilateral load and require increased localized and central stability relative to the weight. Dumbbell presses or rows are common examples of open circuit exercises as are lunges.

Are Push Ups open or closed chain?

Closed chainClosed chain exercise occurs when the hand or foot is fixed and cannot move, remaining in constant contact with a surface, usually the ground. Some examples include lunges, squats, pushups, and pull-ups. The opposite of these movements are called open chain exercises, such as leg extensions and bench press.

Is squat open or closed chain?

Unlike open chained exercises, these closed-chain movements involve the body moving whilst the limbs are relatively stationary. Doing a squat is a closed chain exercise as your feet are fixed to the ground whilst your quadriceps do all the heavy lifting.

Is running open or closed chain?

closed chainTo give another illustration that may help clear the confusion, consider that running is a closed chain dominant exercise (you apply force against the earth and you move), while cycling is predominantly an open chain exercise (press on the pedal and it moves away from you).

Is walking open chain or closed chain?

open chainExamples of open chain exercises would be; bicep curls, Leg curls, Chest press and leg extension. Open chain exercise usually involves using weight that is distal – or away from the body. This can include daily tasks such as reaching for something, walking and even picking up a glass of water.

What is the importance of doing closed chain exercises when rehabilitating a musculoskeletal injury?

Rather than having muscle groups work in isolation, closed-chain exercises allow for the simultaneous activation of antagonistic muscle groups (e.g., the quads and the hamstrings during leg squats), thus promoting increased joint stability and a simulation of functional movement patterns.

Are Step ups closed chain?

The step-up exercise is one closed chain activity that is frequently utilized in rehabilitation protocols for the knee (1, 9).

What is open chain structure?

Definition of open chain : an arrangement of atoms represented in a structural formula by a chain whose ends are not joined so as to form a ring.

How do you open a ring structure?

0:428:04Open Chain and Ring Forms in Monosaccharides - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipGroup up here and we've got all of these kind of other points in the ring. Okay. So we've got LHINsMoreGroup up here and we've got all of these kind of other points in the ring. Okay. So we've got LHINs pointing down at these sides. Okay and then we've got an H up here and down here.

How fast does a closed chain improve throwing velocity?

The results showed that the closed chain group improved throwing velocity by 2.0 mph, while the open chain group only improved 0.3 mph.

Why is TRX so effective?

While these movements can be easily performed with other cheaper, simple equipment, such as a pullup bar, one of the reasons TRX is so effective is its nature of being a closed chain exercise. Closed chain exercise occurs when the hand or foot is fixed and cannot move, remaining in constant contact with a surface, usually the ground.

Is open chain exercise good for upper body?

Another benefit to open chain exercise is that closed chain movements for the upper body are generally limited by body weight (pull-ups and pushups), not to mention that a huge part of overhead athletes’ injury prevention is proprioception — sensing the arm position to better control their movements both in the weight room and on the field.

Can you do open chain pullups?

But, you cannot ignore open chain exercises.

Is bench press a closed chain exercise?

However, it is not that simple to focus just on closed chain exercises for the upper body. For example, open chain upper body movements, such as bench press and overhead press, closely resemble sport-specific throwing movements due to the deceleration at the end of the movement. Another benefit to open chain exercise is that closed chain movements for the upper body are generally limited by body weight (pull-ups and pushups), not to mention that a huge part of overhead athletes’ injury prevention is proprioception — sensing the arm position to better control their movements both in the weight room and on the field.

Why are closed chain exercises better than open chain exercises?

Closed-chain exercises work many muscle groups at once, which means that you can get more return from the energy expended. Closed-chain exercises also better mimic activities of daily living, which means they improve your “functional” fitness. They’re also great for athletes because sports require the movement of multiple joints and muscles all at once. Open-chain exercises isolate joints and muscles in a way that is uncommon in many athletic movements or daily activities.

Why is closed chain exercise better for knees?

As a result, closed-chain exercises are safer for your joints—especially the knee joint—because the force involved is compressive, meaning it actually stabilizes the joint and helps to strengthen it. ...

What is the chain of the body?

The “chain” I’m referring to is the kinetic chain of the body. All of your bones and muscles are connected in a chain; therefore the movements you make are also part of that ki netic chain.

What are some examples of closed chain exercises?

Examples of closed-chain exercises include pushups, pull-ups, squats and lunges, all of which can be done with or without added weight.

What is an open chain exercise?

During open-chain exercises, your hand or foot is free to move, such as when performing a triceps extension or a hamstring curl. These types of movements tend to isolate a single muscle group and a single joint. In an open-chain movement, the end of the chain farthest from the body — usually the hand or foot, and referred to as the “distal aspect of the extremity” — moves freely and is not fixed to an object.

Which leg exercises are more likely to cause injury?

In contrast, open-chain leg exercises — such as knee extensions or hamstring curls — produce shear force, which stresses the knee joint (and the ACL) and are more likely to result in injury.

Where is the end of the chain in an open chain exercise?

When weight is added to an open-chain exercise, it is usually placed at the distal portion of the limb, such as the hand or foot.

Why do we do closed chain exercises?

Because the load is shared with other nearby muscles, closed chain exercises may be preferred in some injury recovery. , and athletic training. Dr. Hegedus says there are both open and closed chain exercises available for most muscle groups. Here are some open and closed kinetic chain exercises for the chest and calf muscles.

What are the advantages of open chain exercises?

“The biggest advantage of open chain exercises is that they are far better at isolating a muscle ,” says Hegedus. This can be useful when rehabilitating a specific muscle or when training for a sport that requires the use of open chain activities. An example is throwing a ball.

How to fly with dumbbells?

Chest fly using dumbbells (open kinetic chain) Hold 1 dumbbell in each hand and lie flat on a weight bench. Bring your hands over your chest with arms slightly bent, so the dumbbells meet above your chest. Lower your arms out to the side ( like wings). Don’t extend your arms past your shoulders.

What is kinetic chain exercise?

Physical therapists, chiropractors, and personal trainers use kinetic chain exercises to help with injury prevention and recovery, body sculpting, and performance enhancement.

What is a kinetic chain?

A kinetic chain is the notion that these joints and segments have an effect on one another during movement. When one is in motion, it creates a chain of events that affects the movement ...

What is the distal aspect of a kinetic chain?

In open kinetic chain exercises, the segment furthest away from the body — known as the distal aspect, usually the hand or foot — is free and not fixed to an object. In a closed chain exercise, it is fixed, or stationary. Dr. Eric Hegedus, founding chair of the doctor of physical therapy department at High Point University in North Carolina, ...

How to do a plank?

Lower your body into a plank position. Your hands should be on the ground, with arms placed under your shoulders and back straight. Slowly lower your body toward the ground, maintaining a straight line from your head to your feet. Before your chest touches the ground, begin pushing back up toward the starting position.

What is a chain in a squat?

Chains are links of body parts, such as foot, ankle, knee, and hip during walking. In a closed chain the end of the chain farthest from the body is fixed, such as a squat where your feet are fixed and the rest of the leg chain moves. In open chains the end is free, such as in a seated leg extension. Closed and open chain exercises provide somewhat ...

Which exercise involves more shearing force?

Open chain exercises tend to involve more shearing force, parallel to the joint; for example, during a leg extension your knee is never under compression forces. Closed chains tend to involve more muscles and joints than open chains and lead to better coordination around each structure, which improves overall stability.

What are some exercises to strengthen your knees?

The best known closed chain exercises for your knees and legs are squats and lunges. Here is a selection of less well known exercises for an all-round leg workout that you can add to your routine, especially if you are recovering from a knee injury.

How to strengthen knees and legs?

Stand on your weaker leg, holding the other leg in the air and your arms by your sides. Close your eyes and hold your balance as long as possible. Repeat several times. Together with squats and lunges, you should find these closed chain exercises for knees and legs very helpful for building strength, and can aid your rehabilitation from injury.

How to bend your knees?

Slowly flex your knees about 20 to 30 degrees and hold for 10 seconds. Then straighten up to full extension. As you flex and go into bent knee positions, be sure you keep your knees straight out in front over the top of your foot, and not allow your knee to bend inward toward your big toe.

How to do wall sits?

Wall Sits. With your feet about 18 inches form a wall and under your shoulders, lean your back against the wall and slowly slide down the wall until your knees are about 45 degrees flexed. Hold as long as you can then return to your starting position.

How to get better balance without help?

One-Legged Quad Dips. Repeat the above quad dip exercise, but lift your stronger leg off the floor and perform the exercise with all your weight on the weaker leg. Initially you may need a hand hold to help your balance. Eventually, though, you should progress so that you develop better balance without help.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of open chain exercise?

Advantages and Disadvantages. Both closed and open chain exercises have their unique advantages and disadvantages. The major advantage of open chain exercises is their ability to target specific muscles. Since one joint is isolated you can concentrate on any muscle group you like.

What is open chain exercise?

Open Kinetic Chain Exercises are movements where the furthest body parts are free to move while your body remains fixed. Usually it’s your hands/arms and feet/legs moving.

What is the body except for push ups?

Push-ups, your entire body except your hands and feet move.

Is kinetic chain exercise open?

Since your body remains fixed and your arms move this makes it an open kinetic chain exercise.

Why do we do open kinetic chain exercises?

Clinical Relevance. Open kinetic chain exercises can be used to improve the strength and function of an isolated muscle or muscle group. 1 . This can be beneficial early in a rehabilitation program or when improving aesthetics, such as for a bodybuilder.

What is a closed kinetic chain?

Closed Kinetic Chains. Kinetic chain is a term used to describe the way a human body moves. It's especially relevant in physical therapy, sports medicine, neuro-rehabilitation, prosthetics, orthotics, and other areas of medicine that focus on the musculoskeletal system.

What happens when you move bones?

This happens as a chain reaction.

When was the kinetic chain first used?

The concept of the kinetic chain applying to the human body was first put forth in 1955 by Dr. Arthru Steindler based on the theory of mechanical engineer Franz Reuleaux.

When the body part is pressed against a wall or the floor, for instance, resistance is sent back into your?

When the body part is pressed against a wall or the floor, for instance, resistance is sent back into your trunk. The body parts through which the resistance moves make up the components of the chain for that particular movement or exercise.

Is a kinetic chain upper or lower?

Some of the reactions are automatic, such as #2, while others are a reflex, such as #4. A kinetic chain can be described as either upper or lower. Kinetic chain exercises are either open or closed.

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Introduction

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Closed Kinetic Chain (CKC) exercisesor closed chain exercises are exercises or movements where the distal aspect of the extremity is fixed to an object that is stationary. With the distal part fixed, movement at any one joint in the kinetic chainrequires motion as well at the other joints in the kinetic chain, therefore, bot…
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Biomechanical and Neurophysiological Factors

  • Biomechanical: 1. CKC techniques emphasise the sequential movement and placement of functionally related joints and therefore require coordinatedand sequential muscle activation patterns to control proper joint movement. Neurophysiological: 1. Closed kinetic chain exercises stimulate the proprioceptivesystem by proprioceptive feedback to initiate and control muscle ac…
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Exercises

  • Closed Chain Upper Body Kinetic Exercises
    Examples include push-ups and derivatives, pull-ups or chin-ups, and dips. These concentrate on a co-contraction of the triceps brachii, Biceps Brachii, deltoids, pectoralis major and minor, and lower back for stabilizationin various ratios depending upon the angle and leverage.
  • Closed Chain Lower Body Kinetic Exercises
    Examples include squats, deadlifts, lunges, power cleans, and leg presses. These concentrate on a co-contraction of the quadriceps, hamstrings, hip flexors, soleus, and gastrocnemius muscles. The joints of movement include the knee, hip, and ankle. Example of standing squat as a closed …
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Multiple Joint Exercises

  • In compound lifting many muscles are engaged, simultaneously stimulate muscle growth. Compound lifting works multiple parts of the body is efficient and produces excellent results. 1. The most famous compound exercise is probably the squat, that targets numerous different muscles in your legs, such as the glutes, calves and quadriceps. You can do compound exercise…
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Clinical Bottom Line

  • Many factors should be considered when deciding whether to use open kinetic chain versus closed kinetic chain exercises. The patient's condition and stage of rehabilitation will aid in the judgement of exercise prescription.
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1.Closed Chain Exercise - Physiopedia

Url:https://www.physio-pedia.com/Closed_Chain_Exercise

21 hours ago Closed chain movements usually involve multiple joints and muscles, causing a much more efficient stimulus to allow the body to improve faster, while open chain movements generally …

2.Closed chain exercise is crucial | Sparta Science

Url:https://spartascience.com/closed-chain-exercise-is-crucial/

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3.Closed Chain vs. Open Chain Exercises - Motion Health

Url:https://motionhealth.net/2018/08/23/closed-chain-vs-open-chain-exercises/

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4.Kinetic Chain Exercises: Open and Closed - Healthline

Url:https://www.healthline.com/health/4-kinetic-chain-exercises

31 hours ago Since your body remains fixed and your arms move this makes it an open kinetic chain exercise. Closed chain exercises are generally compound exercises meaning that they use more than …

5.6 Closed Chain Exercise for Knees & Legs | AFPA Fitness

Url:https://www.afpafitness.com/blog/closed-chain-exercise-for-legs-and-knees

24 hours ago  · A benefit of closed kinetic chain exercises is that the movements they promote often relate better to activities of daily life, so they're considered more "functional." 1 , …

6.Open Chain vs Closed Chain Exercises - The Athlete's …

Url:https://theathletesphysique.com/fitness-glossary/open-chain-vs-closed-chain-exercises/

5 hours ago  · Research suggests from a rehabilitation perspective, closed kinetic chain exercises may be favorable early in the rehabilitation process because they have more …

7.Open and Closed Kinetic Chain in Physical Therapy

Url:https://www.verywellhealth.com/open-and-closed-kinetic-chain-296949

35 hours ago The consensus among the fitness community has been that closed chain exercises are better than open chain exercises for two main reasons: Multiple muscle groups are working together …

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