Comparison of the effects of open and closed kinetic chain exercises given in addition to balance exercises on balance, fall risk and pennate angle measured by ultrasound in patients with knee osteoarthritis

The aim of our study was to evaluate the effects of open kinetic chain exercises (AKZE) and closed kinetic chain exercises (KKZE) given as a home exercise programme in addition to balance exercises on balance, fall risk, muscle thickness and pennate angle measured by ultrasonography (USG) in patients with stage II or III knee osteoarthritis (OA) and to investigate whether they are superior to each other. In this prospective, single-blind, randomised controlled study, a total of 40 patients with knee OA, including 20 patients in the AKZE group and 20 patients in the KKZE group, were included. Pre- and post-treatment assessment parameters included pain level, Berg Balance Scale (BDÖ) value, muscle pennate angle and muscle thickness evaluating muscle architecture measured by USG, and fall risk measured by static posturography device. The results of our study showed that both home exercise programmes were effective and provided improvement in all evaluation parameters in patients with knee OA. However, no significant statistical difference was found in all parameters in the comparison of the AKZE and KKZE groups and it was found that the two home exercise programmes were not superior to each other. As a result; KKZE's can be used safely in the treatment of knee OA like AKZE's. Both kinetic chain exercises can play an effective role in reducing pain, maintaining balance, reducing the risk of falls, strengthening muscles, increasing muscle thickness and pennate angle.