The Effect of Exercise Training and Support Tools on Biomechanics of Transitional Movements in People with Genu Varum: A Review Study

Genu varum is one of the abnormalities of the lower limbs. The aim of the present study was to review the effect of exercise training and support tools on biomechanics of transitional movements in people with genu varum.

The present study was a review article. The search for articles in Persian and Latin was from the beginning of 2010 to the beginning of March 2023, which was done in the citation databases of WOS, ISC, SID, Magiran, Scopus, PubMed, and Google Scholar. 32 articles related to the effect of exercise training and support tools on genu varum were analyzed.

Findings of four articles related to aerobic exercises showed an increase in peak reaction forces and loading rate. Findings of six articles showed the positive effects of resistance-corrective exercises due to the improvement of balance and Q angle. Results of two articles showed a reduction in the severity of the abnormality due to the frequent use of the medical floor. Eleven articles discussed the positive effects of orthosis, braces, and wedges. Two articles indicated the increase of Q angle and balance due to the use of kinesio taping. One article demonstrated that the use of kinesio taping can reduce muscle strength. Six articles mentioned the negative effects of the exercise protocol or support tools or have not reported any significant differences.

It appears that performing resistance-corrective exercises along with the continuous use of support tools is more effective compared to performing aerobic exercises.