Abstract
Background: There are non-invasive methods of correcting genu valgum (GV), but to date, there is no method to evaluate mechanotherapeutic intervention that does not restrict child’s natural movements while the process is on-going so that timely decisions could be made on effectiveness of intervention. The aim of study was to develop and assess the comfortability of garments with elastic straps and pressure applicator (GESPA) and the reliability and user-friendliness of “GVcorrect” app, which aims to catch the elastic straps’ pressure level (mN). Methods: 6 children (5–7 y) with intermalleolar distance ≥5 cm wore GESPA daily for 3 months. Anthropometrical and goniometrical measurements were done according to standard technique; tone and biomechanical parameters of skeletal muscles determined with MyotonPRO; feedback about GESPA and “GVcorrect” collected via questionnaire. Results: Based on feedback from children and parents, new, more comfortable and user-friendly GESPA were designed; several updates were made to “GVcorrect” app; new goals were set for the next phase of the study. Conclusions: GESPA and the “GVcorrect” app serve their purpose, but there are still a number of important limitations that need to be removed before the product can be marketed. The study continues with product development until a medical device certificate is obtained.
Highlights
In 2- to 6-year-old children, genu valgum (GV) is normal within certain limits of tibiofemoral angle, being characterized as a physiological condition [1]
Anthropometrical and goniometrical measurements were done according to standard technique; tone and biomechanical parameters of skeletal muscles determined with MyotonPRO; feedback about garments with elastic straps and pressure applicator (GESPA) and “GVcorrect” collected via questionnaire
The prevalence of GV in growing children is approximately 7% [4] and it is mostly expressed as intermalleolar distance (IMD) [5] more than 5 cm [6,7] and tibiofemoral angle (TFA) < 162 degrees over the age of 7 [8]
Summary
In 2- to 6-year-old children, genu valgum (GV) is normal within certain limits of tibiofemoral angle, being characterized as a physiological condition [1]. The prevalence of GV in growing children is approximately 7% [4] and it is mostly expressed as intermalleolar distance (IMD) [5] more than 5 cm [6,7] and tibiofemoral angle (TFA) < 162 degrees over the age of 7 [8]. As part of the European Childhood Obesity Surveillance (2015/2016), more than three-quarters of Estonian 1st grade students (mostly 7-year-old children) were measured and weighed and it turned out that every fourth girl and third boy were overweight or obese [11]. Results: Based on feedback from children and parents, new, more comfortable and user-friendly GESPA were designed; several updates were made to “GVcorrect” app; new goals were set for the phase of the study. The study continues with product development until a medical device certificate is obtained
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