Initiating Rehabilitation With Open Versus Closed Kinetic Chain Exercises in Patients With Degenerative Meniscal...

Area of Science:

• Orthopedics
• Sports Medicine
• Rehabilitation Science

Background:

• Degenerative meniscal tears (DMT) are common, often leading to pain and reduced function.
• Rehabilitation is crucial for managing DMT, but optimal exercise strategies require further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the clinical outcomes of initiating rehabilitation with open kinetic chain (OKC) versus closed kinetic chain (CKC) exercises in patients with DMT.

Main Methods:

• A randomized controlled trial involving 56 patients with DMT undergoing an 8-week telerehabilitation program.
• Participants were assigned to initiate rehabilitation with either OKC or CKC exercises for the first two weeks, followed by identical functional exercises for both groups.
• Outcomes included the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS), Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) for pain, range of motion, muscle strength, Lysholm Knee Scoring Scale, and SF-12.

Main Results:

• Both OKC and CKC exercise groups showed significant improvements in KOOS subscales after 8 weeks.
• The OKC group demonstrated significantly greater improvements in KOOS Pain and Knee-related Quality of Life subscales.
• Superior outcomes in the OKC group were also observed for pain intensity, isometric knee extensor strength, and the SF-12 Physical Component Score.

Conclusions:

• Initiating rehabilitation for degenerative meniscal tears with OKC exercises during the initial two weeks may provide enhanced early symptom management.
• This approach may lead to improved quality of life and superior functional recovery in patients with DMT.