Open chain exercises (OKC) are exercises that are performed where the hand or foot is free to move. The opposite of OKC are closed kinetic chain exercises. Both are effective for strengthening and rehabilitation objectives. [1]
It is a common error to assume that open and closed chains motions of the subtalar joint occur in opposite directions. However, open and closed chain subtalar motions, like pronation, are exactly alike at the subtalar joint surface.
In a closed chain, the talus is mobile while the foot’s distal part (the “forefoot”) is fixed by its contact with the ground. The mobile talus plantar flexes and adducts (its anterior part tips inferiorly and medially). During open chain pronation, the talus is fixed, so the mobile forefoot dorsiflexes and abducts. These motions are identical. They differs only in whether the forefoot moves on a stable talus or the talus moves on the stable forefoot.
In addition, while closed chain subtalar pronation occurs during the loading response phase of the walking cycle, closed chain subtalar supination occurs during the midstance and terminal stance phases of the walking cycle.
The subtalar joint is a source of movement that can compensate for limitations in other structures. These compensations can lead to problems and so may require orthotic management.
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