Kinetic Chain Movement: How Joints and Muscles Work Together
Your body does not move one joint or muscle at a time. Walking, squatting, reaching, running, and throwing all involve multiple joints and muscle groups working together. This interconnected system is often referred to as the kinetic chain. [1]
What Is the Kinetic Chain?
The kinetic chain describes how different parts of the body work together to produce and control movement. Muscles, joints, bones, and connective tissues all contribute to movement, and the way one part moves can influence how other parts of the body move.
For example, a squat involves movement at the hips, knees, and ankles. The muscles surrounding these joints work together to control the body as you lower down and stand back up. Similarly, walking requires coordinated movement through the feet, ankles, knees, hips, and pelvis.
The kinetic chain can generally be divided into two categories:
- Open kinetic chain: The end of the limb is free to move. A seated knee extension is an example because the foot is not fixed to the ground.
- Closed kinetic chain: The end of the limb is fixed against a surface. Squats, lunges, and push-ups are examples because the hands or feet remain in contact with a surface. [2]
How One Area Can Influence Another
Because the body works as a connected system, movement at one joint can affect movement elsewhere. This does not mean that an issue in one area is automatically the cause of pain or injury somewhere else. Instead, it means that clinicians may look at multiple areas when evaluating movement.
Consider a squat. If someone has limited ankle mobility, they may compensate by changing how their knees, hips, or trunk move. Likewise, differences in hip strength or control can influence how the lower extremity moves during activities such as squatting, running, or jumping. [3]
These movement patterns can be useful information during a physical therapy evaluation. A therapist may assess strength, flexibility, joint mobility, balance, and coordination throughout the kinetic chain rather than focusing exclusively on the area where symptoms are felt.
Why the Kinetic Chain Matters in Rehabilitation
Understanding the kinetic chain can help clinicians develop exercises that address the demands of a particular activity. Rehabilitation may involve strengthening muscles around the affected area while also working on mobility, balance, coordination, or strength elsewhere in the body.
For example, someone returning to running after a lower-extremity injury may work on more than just the injured area. Their program could include exercises for the foot and ankle, knee, hip, and core to help them gradually regain strength and control during running.
The goal is not necessarily to make every part of the body move in exactly the same way. Instead, rehabilitation focuses on helping the body perform movements effectively while considering the individual's symptoms, abilities, and goals.
The Bottom Line
Movement is a team effort. Your muscles and joints work together to create, control, and transfer movement throughout the body. Looking at the kinetic chain gives physical therapists a broader picture of how someone moves and can help guide an individualized approach to rehabilitation.
If pain, stiffness, weakness, or difficulty with movement is affecting your daily activities or exercise, an evaluation can help identify factors that may be contributing to your symptoms. Our physical therapists and chiropractors can assess your movement and develop an individualized approach based on your needs and goals. Contact our office at 716.892.8811 to schedule a consultation and learn more about how we can help.
References
- Neumann DA. Kinesiology of the Musculoskeletal System: Foundations for Rehabilitation. 3rd ed. Elsevier; 2017.
- Escamilla RF, MacLeod TD, Wilk KE, Paulos L, Andrews JR. Cruciate ligament loading during common knee rehabilitation exercises. Sports Medicine. 2012;42(5):419-434.
- Powers CM. The influence of abnormal hip mechanics on knee injury: a biomechanical perspective. Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy. 2010;40(2):42-51.