Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIM: Genuvarum is a common lower limb deformity that affects the alignment of the leg in the frontal plane. This can lead to changes in the ground reaction force (GRF) and center of pressure (COP) of the foot, disrupting postural control strategies, and causing balance issues. This study aimed to determine the effect of strengthening exercises of thigh and abdominal muscles, along with use of a lateral wedge insole (LWI) on balance in young people with genuvarum. METHODS: A total of 40 individuals aged 18-40 with genuvarum were split into two groups, with 20 people in each group. Participants in one group received only LWI (LWI group), while those in other group received LWI along with thigh and abdominal muscle strengthening exercises (LWI + exercises group). Balance tests were conducted before and after the 4-week interventions under barefoot condition on a force plate. The tests included parameters related to COP in single- and two-legged standing for static balance, and loading rate of F0 and F1 while walking, peak vertical GRF, and time to reach stability while jumping-landing test for dynamic balance. RESULTS: In the comparison between LWI + exercises group and LWI group, there was a significant decrease in variables related to COP during single-leg standing and F1 loading rate during walking (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Incorporating muscle strengthening exercises targeting muscles around the thigh and abdominal region, in addition to using LWI, can be beneficial in individuals' rehabilitation with genuvarum, helping to prevent injuries related to poor posture control. Trial Registration: The current study was a randomized clinical trial, registered in the Iranian registry of clinical trials (registration number: IRCT20221103056387N1).