Patients with high levels of human cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (hCOMP) in serum might indicate increased degradation of articular cartilage. Conflicting studies recommend both open kinematic chain exercises, which imposes minimal shock load in joints of arthritic patients to prevent further cartilage degeneration, and close kinematic chain exercises among healthy individuals which can significantly increase serum hCOMP concentration. This study was conducted to establish a scientific basis in choosing between physiological cyclic loading (PCL) and closed kinematic chain exercises (CKCE) for individuals of varying body mass index having weight bearing joint conditions associated with diminishing cartilage turn over resulting from loss of hCOMP after cartilage degeneration.

Blood samples were drawn from 45 healthy male adults before and after intervention. All subjects were randomly distributed to 3 groups with 15 subjects each. Group A performed CKCE for 30minutes as many repetition as possible, Group B executed (PCL) for 30minutes at their own pace, while the remaining 15 subjects served as control. The blood samples were centrifuged to separate the serum. The hCOMP in the serum was measured using the ELISA kit at absorbance Optical Density 450pg/ml.

There is a significant difference in pre-and post-intervention serum hCOMP concentration in CKCE, PCL, and the control group. There was also a significant difference in the post-intervention serum hCOMP concentration among the three groups. In contrast, the BMI and post-intervention serum hCOMP concentration within each group did not show any significant relationship but it was observed that BMI was inversely proportional to the hCOMP serum level 30-minutes post-exercise and resting.