What is the Kinetic Chain?
The concept of a kinetic chain in the body was first introduced in 1955 by Dr. Arthur Steindler. Steindler adopted this theory from Franz Reuleaux, who was a mechanical engineer. Reuleaux had proposed the idea that a series of overlapping segments were connected from one point, and these interlocking segments throughout the system would allow the movement of one point to affect the movement of another point within the kinetic link [2].
With this idea, Dr. Steindler argued that the human body could be viewed the same way. It was a system of rigid, overlapping segments that are connected by a series of joints, collectively referred to as the “kinetic chain”. This idea proposed that movements occurring within each body segment could also be categorized into open or closed chain movement patterns as well [2].
What Is Kinetic Linking?
Kinetic linking can be thought of as something like a “follow through” of a movement. “The principle that body segments generate high end-point velocity by accelerating and decelerating adjacent links, using internal and external muscle torques applied to the body segments in a sequential manner from proximal to distal, from massive to least massive, and from most fixed to most free. The kinetic link principle is applied when different body segments rotate during throwing and kicking. These actions have been likened to the motion of a bullwhip. If segmental rotations are free to occur at the distal end, the body's base-segments in contact with the ground act like the handle of a bull-whip. Just as the tip of the bullwhip can be made to travel at supersonic speed, the small distal segments of the hand and foot can be made to travel very fast by the sequential acceleration and deceleration of the body” [2].
When the kinetic chain is referred to as “open”, this means that “the furthest segment of the extremity is free to move in space”[2]. Think of this as being something where the hands or feet are not planted in one sport for the duration of the exercise that is being executed. These would be movements like a bicep curl or a seated leg extension.
When the kinetic chain is referred to as “closed”, it means that the furthest segment is meeting external resistance and cannot move freely. It can be easy to think of this as the hand or foot is planted in one spot for the duration of the exercise. Examples of this could be a back squat or a pushup.
What Role Does It Play In Training For Sport?
This plays an important role in not only optimizing performance, but also in injury prevention and rehabilitation. Improvement in kinetic linking means that there are less energy leaks that occur, which ultimately optimizes performance by enhancing the ability to generate force through the body.
When it comes to rehabilitation and the kinetic chain, “Impairment of one or more kinetic chain links can create dysfunctional biomechanical output leading to pain and/or injury” [3]. When there are deficits in any link along the kinetic chain, this can negatively affect the joints, such as knees, shoulders, ankles, and hips. When practitioners focus on eliminating any defects in the kinetic chain, this can help prevent injury.
SOURCES
1. kinetic link principle. Oxford Reference. Retrieved 5 May. 2023, from https://www.oxfordreference.com/view/10.1093/oi/authority.20110803100037256.
2. Kinetic Chain. (n.d.). Physiopedia. https://www.physio-pedia.com/Kinetic_Chain#cite_note-p9-2
3. Sciascia, A., & Cromwell, R. (2012). Kinetic chain rehabilitation: a theoretical framework. Rehabilitation research and practice, 2012, 853037. https://doi.org/10.1155/2012/853037
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