The Effects of Genu Varum Deformity on the Pattern and Amount of Electromyography Muscle Activity Lower Extremity during the Stance Phase of Walking

Abstract

Introduction: mal-alignment of lower extremity especially at the, aligned with the change of gravity line passing the lower limb joints can cause disorders in neuromuscular control of muscles around the joints and increase the risk of injury during sport activities. Therefore the aim of present study was to evaluate the effects of genu varum deformity on the pattern and amount of Electromyography muscle activity lower extremity during the stance phase of gait respectively. Materials and Methods : Thirty active male (two groups of Genu varum and normal) participated in the current semi-experimental study with the age ranged 20-25 years. Utilizing Electromyography data, the amount and the onset time of muscle activity were calculated. Data were analyzed utilizing MANOVA for between-group differences and paired samples t-test for within-group differences at a.05 level of significance. Results: The results showed that Gluteus Medius muscle during the loading response phase of walking in the active male with genu varum significantly higher levels of activity than control group in the dominant (P=0.031) and non-dominant limb( P =0.004). But the Rectus Femoris and Medial Gastrocnemius muscles activity was not significantly different between the two groups in none of the phase walking ( P >0.05). Also there was no significant difference between the onset of muscle activity ( P >0.05). Moreover, no significant difference could be observed between dominant and non-dominant limbs in the amount and onset of muscle activity ( P >0.05). Discussion: Based on the results of this study, it is concluded that subjects with Genu Varum deformity are more active than normal subjects in the gluteus medius. This increase in activity can be accompanied with the increase of compressive forces and articular loads which can cause osteoarthritis joint in the long run. Key words: Electromyography Activation, Genu Varum Deformity, Muscle Activity Timing, Walking