NETA Personal Trainer Practice Exam

Open kinetic chain exercises involve which of the following movements?

1. Fixed movement of the limb

2. Movement through space freely

3. Additional resistance from the ground

4. Predetermined movements with no flexibility

The correct answer is: Movement through space freely

Open kinetic chain exercises are characterized by movements where the distal segment of the limb (usually the hands or feet) is free to move in space, allowing for greater range of motion and isolation of specific muscles. This type of exercise typically involves performing movements where the joint motion occurs without the need for direct contact with a stable surface. For example, leg extensions or arm curls are considered open kinetic chain movements because the foot or hand moves freely while the rest of the body can remain stationary. The other options relate to closed kinetic chain exercises, where the distal segment is fixed. In these scenarios, such as squats or push-ups, the movement is restricted by the ground, and the body moves around the fixed point of contact. Therefore, while fixed movement, additional resistance from the ground, and predetermined movements convey elements related to closed chain exercises, they do not accurately represent the nature of open kinetic chain exercises, which prioritize movement through space freely.