Lower-limb kinematic alterations during walking in individuals with and without genu varum

Document Type : Original article

Authors

1 دانشگاه خوارزمی

2 Associated Professor, Department of Sport Biomechanics, Faculty of Sports Sciences, University of Birjand, Birjand, Iran

3 Department of Sport Biomechanics, Faculty of Sport Sciences, University of Birjand, Birjand, Iran.

4 Faculty of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, Department of Sport Sciences, University of Birjand, Birjand, Iran.

10.22037/sjrm.2026.117536.3454

Abstract

Background and Aims: The purpose of this study was to assess the hip, knee and ankle joint angle during walking in individuals with and without Genu Varum (GV).

Materials and Methods: Twenty participants, evenly divided into two groups of ten, voluntarily took part in this study. Each participant walked along a 10-meter walkway at a self-selected comfortable speed. The dominant leg was required to fully contact the force plate, embedded at the center of the walkway. Sagittal-plane joint angles of the hip, knee, and ankle were recorded throughout the gait cycle for both groups. The Mann–Whitney U test was employed to compare group differences in the kinematic parameters.

Results: The findings revealed significant differences (P < 0.05) between two groups across the evaluated kinematic variables (Table2, Table3, Table4). Individuals with GV exhibited greater hip adduction, increased knee flexion, and distinct dorsiflexion–plantarflexion patterns at the ankle throughout the gait cycle when compared to control participants.

Conclusion: The observed alterations in lower-limb kinematics suggest the compensatory movement strategies across the kinetic chain in individuals with GV.

These findings highlight the importance of rehabilitation protocols that focus neuromuscular coordination and integrated muscular function throughout the lower-limb kinetic chain to promote stability.

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The Scientific Journal of Rehabilitation Medicine

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 06 September 2026

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History

  • Receive Date: 24 April 2026
  • Revise Date: 17 June 2026
  • Accept Date: 19 June 2026
  • First Publish Date: 06 September 2026

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