Closed Chain Exercise Analysis

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Exercise is engaging in physical activity and movements to achieve an overall goal. Kinesiology is the study of these movements through analyzing the mechanics of the joints (Floyd, 2015). Two popular exercises are the chin up and the squat. These exercises are similar in that they both strengthen the body and are a closed chain exercises. Closed chain means that the distal end of the extremity is fixed while the proximal end moves (Floyd, 2015). However, these exercises are more different than they are alike. For example, a chin up is an upper body exercise while a squat is a lower body exercise. Additionally, a chin up requires a pulling motion versus the pushing motion of a squat. These exercises also use muscles of different strength. Therefore, …show more content…

Strengthening all these muscles will keep the lower extremity balanced and healthy to reduce the risk of injury (Houglum, 2012). The mechanical objective is to lower the body by bending at the hips and knees and then returning to the standing position. This is done by squatting down until the legs are parallel to the floor and keeping the spine in normal alignment. The movement phases are the lowering phase (squatted position), and the lifting phase (starting position). The main joints that are analyzed during a squat are the foot/ankle, knee, hip, and lumbar spine. Some muscles that are being used during this exercise are the gastrocnemius, quadriceps, hamstrings, gluteus maximus, and erector spinae. This exercise is also a closed chain exercise because the feet are fixed. The order of motion occurs one after the other when comparing the phases. When analyzing the muscles within each phase, they contract simultaneously (Floyd, …show more content…

Compensations can be a safety issue for some exercises. Compensations made when performing a chin up could be swinging the legs and/or body to gain momentum. In addition, another compensation is not pulling up or lowering all the way. To determine if someone is compensating for their lack of strength, bad form etc., one should look to see if they are maintaining a straight posture, if their chin is reaching over the bar, and if their elbows are flexing and extending the proper amount. To avoid these compensations, one can use a resistance band to assist in lifting the body up towards the bar. This will take some of the weight off and allow for the individual to focus on their form and technique. These compensations are not necessarily unsafe, but they create bad habits and the person performing the exercise will not receive the full benefits of the exercise. Some things that impact the safety of this exercise, as well as exercise in general are the strength of the individual and the amount of weight they are pulling up. If someone is not very strong and are trying to pull up a lot of weight, they are more likely to become injured. Also, the safety of the machine and equipment that the individual is using may cause some safety hazards. The equipment should always be inspected, in this case, the bar (Chai,

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