[WrightDPT]

Any thoughts on the use of open versus closed kinetic chain exercises following ACL repair. Closed chain exercises certainly have the added benefit of being more functional, utilizing proprioceptive principles, and strenghtening mutliple muscle groups. In my experience, it is common place to limit open chain knee extension from 30* to 90* for several months. It is my understanding that these limitations serve to decrease sheer stress on the graft. Any thoughts on this. I have always been curious as to how much stress is actually occuring with an unresisted open chain knee extension. In comparison to sheer stresses with typical walking activities I would think stress a long arc quad would be relatively minimal. This exercise would certainly be beneficial for increasing quad strength and VMO activity. Especially considering the post surgical inhibition of quad and VMO.