This study aims to investigate the effects of gluteus medius-focused blood flow restriction (BFR) training, with or without the addition of radial shockwave therapy, on lower limb alignment in adults with genu varum. The study uses a crossover design and evaluates changes in Q-angle(Quadriceps-angle) and plantar pressure as primary outcomes. All interventions are non-invasive and supervised, and the goal is to identify effective therapeutic strategies to improve biomechanical alignment in individuals with bowed legs.
Adults aged between 20 and 40 years
Diagnosed with genu varum (inter-knee distance ≥ 3 cm in standing position)
No pain or surgery history in lower extremities within the last 6 months
Able to walk independently without assistance
Neurological or musculoskeletal disorders affecting gait or posture
Current use of medication affecting musculoskeletal or circulatory function
Previous surgery on the spine, pelvis, or lower limbs
Contraindications to shockwave therapy or BFR training (e.g., thromboembolic - disorders, deep vein thrombosis, cancer, etc.)
Crossover
Blood Flow Restriction Training
BehavioralParticipants perform squats with 15% of their body weight under blood flow restriction using a thigh cuff. Hip internal rotation is set at 15 degrees. The training is conducted twice a week for 4 weeks. Cuff pressure is estimated using a predictive formula based on thigh circumference and systolic blood pressure.
Radial Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy
DeviceRadial extracorporeal shockwave therapy (rESWT) is applied to the gluteus medius region prior to each exercise session. The protocol includes 2000 pulses per session, applied twice per week for 4 weeks, using a radial shockwave device.
Plantar pressure Distribution
Plantar pressure will be assessed using the TPScan system while participants walk barefoot over the pressure mat. The system will analyze peak pressure, pressure-time integral, and center of pressure trajectory in both feet. Data will be collected under two conditions (BFR alone vs. BFR + rESWT), and compared to evaluate the effects of the intervention.
Quadriceps Angle (Q-angle)
Q-angle will be measured using a goniometer with participants in the supine position and legs extended. The angle is defined by the intersection between the line from the anterior superior iliac spine (ASIS) to the center of the patella, and the line from the patella to the tibial tuberosity. Data will be collected before and after each intervention to assess changes in lower limb alignment.
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Sungjin Park
Lead sponsor
Sahmyook University
Sponsor institution
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