Quasi-experimental study shows CKC exercises improve pain, balance and quality of life in elderly with OA, highlighting a non-pharmacological management option.
Background: Osteoarthritis (OA) is one of the leading causes of disability among elderly individuals worldwide. Closed kinematic chain (CKC) exercises are functional, safe, and cost-effective rehabilitation strategies that may reduce pain and improve functional performance. Objective: To evaluate the effects of CKC exercises on pain, balance, and quality of life in elderly individuals with knee OA. Methods: A quasi-experimental study was conducted on 81 elderly residents in Tirupati. Thirty-one with clinically significant knee OA (WOMAC scale) were recruited. Pain (VAS), balance (Single-Leg Stance), and quality of life (SF-36) were measured before and after a 3-week CKC program including squats, leg presses, pelvic bridging, and step-ups. Data were analysed using SPSS v22.0. Results: Post-intervention, VAS pain scores decreased significantly (p<0.001), balance improved (p=0.016), and SF-36 scores improved (p<0.001). Conclusion: CKC exercises significantly improve pain, balance, and quality of life in geriatric patients with knee OA. They are recommended as a non-pharmacological management strategy.
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Kumar et al. (2025) studied this question.
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