The Open Kinetic Chain and Closed Kinetic Chain Strengthening Exercises in Degenerative Meniscus Tears

Comparison of the Open Kinetic Chain and Closed Kinetic Chain Strengthening Exercises on Pain, Function, and Health-related Quality of Life in Degenerative Meniscus Tears

This randomized-controlled trial aims to compare the effect of open kinetic chain and closed kinetic chain strengthening exercises on pain, function, and health-related quality of life in degenerative meniscus tears.

Patients with degenerative meniscus tears between the ages of 35 and 65 will be randomly divided into two groups: Group 1 (open kinetic chain strengthening exercises) and Group 2 (closed kinetic chain strengthening exercises). Interventions will be applied for 16 sessions (twice a week for 8 weeks). The patients will be assessed at baseline and at the end of the 8-week intervention. The pain during activity, at rest, and at night will be assessed with the Visual Analog Scale (VAS). Active range of motion will be assessed with a digital goniometer. Isometric muscle strength will be measured with a handheld dynamometer. The functional status and symptoms will be evaluated by the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) and Lysholm Knee Scoring Scale. Health-related quality of life will be assessed with the Short Form-12 (SF-12).

Inclusion Criteria:

• Being aged between 35 and 65 years
• Having the degenerative meniscus tear in at least one knee
• Having body mass index in the range of 18-30 kg/m2
• Feeling the pain that lasts for at least 2 months
• Having grade 1 or grade 2 degenerative meniscal tear diagnosed by an orthopedic specialist according to the MRI results
• Access to the internet via a computer or smartphone
• Ability to read and write in Turkish

Exclusion Criteria:

• Having undergone arthroscopic partial meniscectomy surgery due to degenerative meniscal tear
• Participating in a physiotherapy program for degenerative meniscal tear in the last 12 weeks
• Have received steroid injections in the last 6 months
• Accompanying conditions such as injury to the surrounding ligaments, congenital anomaly in the affected knee, coxarthrosis and spinal stenosis
• Presence of any systemic disorder that may affect assessment parameters
• Any health condition that may prevent participation in physical activity or an exercise program (e.g., severe cardiovascular, respiratory, neurological, or musculoskeletal disorders)
• Failure to cooperate with assessments