Pheasant, S, Armstrong, C; College Misericordia, Dallas, PA and University of Toledo, Toledo, OH. Spheasan@Misericordia.edu.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of an open to a closed kinematic chain strength training program on selected strength, balance and "get up and go" characteristics in a population of healthy, elderly females. SUBJECTS: 35 community dwelling, female subjects between 70-80 years (mean 75.9 years). The open kinematic strength training group consisted of 13 subjects while the closed kinematic chain strength training group and control groups consisted of 16 and 6 subjects respectively. METHODS: A pre-test/post-test/control group design was used in the study. The experimental groups trained 3/wk for a period of eight weeks performing three sets of ten repetitions of each of three selected exercises. Testing included a ten repetition maximum knee extension strength measurement, "get up and go" and balance assessment. Balance was assessed using an AMTI force platform for the varibles maximum voluntary excursion (MVE), total sway (TS) and standard deviation means (SD). ANALYSIS: Data were analyzed using ANOVA with repeated measures for the strength and "get up and go" variables. Balance parameters were analyzed using MANOVA with repeated measures. RESULTS: No significant differences were determined between the two experimental groups for knee extension strength as determined by a 10 repetition maximum (RM) (p>.05). Significant differences were detected pre-test to post-test (p<.05). The open kinematic chain exercise group improved knee extension 10 RM by 95% on the left and 94% on the right compared to 71% and 73% increases for the closed kinematic chain exercise group. No significant differences were determined among groups for the "get up and go" test (p>.05). Significant differences were detected between pre-test and post-test values suggesting a learning effect. Although not significant, trends appear to suggest improved "get up and go" times in the experimental groups. No significant differences were determined among the three groups for the balance variables TS, MVE or SD (p>.05). Significant differences were detected between pre-test and post-test values for the variables TS, MVE and SD also suggesting a learning effect (p<.05). Although not significant, trends appear to suggest improved balance in the experimental groups. CONCLUSIONS: 1. Both the open kinematic and closed kinematic chain exercises were effective for improving knee extensor strength. 2. Trends appear to suggest improved "get up and go" and balance in the two experimental groups. FUNDING SOURCE: None.

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