International Journal of Human Movement and Sports Sciences Vol. 11(3), pp. 643 - 649
DOI: 10.13189/saj.2023.110318
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The Effects of Closed Kinetic Chain Exercise on Hamstring Length and Muscle Elasticity

Kwanwoo Kong ^*
Department of Physical Therapy, Daegu University, Republic of Korea

ABSTRACT

Background: This study examined how the application of concentric and eccentric contraction exercises, in the form of closed kinetic chain (CKC) sling-based exercises, on shortened hamstrings, affects the length and muscle elasticity of hamstrings. The study also examines how to apply these exercises to a rehabilitation program by comparing their effects with a stretching exercise. Methods: A total of 41 male adults were chosen as subjects for this study and divided into three groups to receive each exercise. The stretching exercise group performed passive stretching. The second group performed the concentric contraction exercise, and the third group performed the eccentric contraction exercise, both using sling-based CKC exercises. The three groups performed each exercise three times a week for 2 weeks. For the measurement of change in the length of hamstrings, the angle of the knee was measured in a supine position using a digital inclinometer. To test the change in muscle elasticity, the elasticity of the hamstring was measured in a prone position using a muscle tone tester. Measurements were taken three times: before exercise, immediately after the first exercise, and after 2 weeks. The study used a repeated two-way analysis of variance to compare the between-group differences according to the measurement period. Results: All exercise methods significantly increased the length of the hamstring. There were differences in elasticity according to the exercise period in the concentric and the eccentric exercise groups, but not in the stretching group. After 2 weeks, the concentric exercise group showed a significant decrease in muscle elasticity (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Significant changes were observed in the lengths of the shortened hamstrings for all three methods. However, changes in muscle elasticity were confirmed only in the groups using the closed chain, sling-based exercises. Therefore, it is proposed that CKC exercise using a sling is an effective exercise intervention method when trying to increase the length of the hamstring and to reduce elasticity.

KEYWORDS
Hamstring Lengthening Exercise, Closed Kinetic Exercise, Stretching Exercise

Cite This Paper in IEEE or APA Citation Styles
(a). IEEE Format:
[1] Kwanwoo Kong , "The Effects of Closed Kinetic Chain Exercise on Hamstring Length and Muscle Elasticity," International Journal of Human Movement and Sports Sciences, Vol. 11, No. 3, pp. 643 - 649, 2023. DOI: 10.13189/saj.2023.110318.

(b). APA Format:
Kwanwoo Kong (2023). The Effects of Closed Kinetic Chain Exercise on Hamstring Length and Muscle Elasticity. International Journal of Human Movement and Sports Sciences, 11(3), 643 - 649. DOI: 10.13189/saj.2023.110318.