The comparsion of peak vertical ground reaction forces and the rate of loading during single leg drop landing between men with genu varum deformity and normal knee

Introduction: High rate of loading is related to osteoarthritis and genu varum result in osteoarthritis. Knowing the rate of affected biomechanical variables during landing which is the cause of this deformity result in fundamental understanding to prevent osteoarthritis in people with genu varum deformity. Hence the purpose of this study is to compare the peak vertical ground reaction forces and the rate of loading during single leg drop landing between men with genu varum deformity and normal knee.Materials and Methods: Fourthy male students in physical education and sport science participated in this research; subjects were 21 people with genu varum deformity and 19 with normal knee. Genu varum deformity was measured and recorded by a caliper. Subjects performed single-leg landing dropping from a 0.3 m height onto a force platform. Statistical analysis of data was performed between two groups via MANOVA test.Results: No significant difference was found in the peak vertical ground reaction during metatarsal contact (P = 0.486). However the peak vertical ground reaction force in calcaneus contact (P = 0.002) and the rate of loading (P = 0.048) between groups were significantly different.Conclusion: Subtle variations in frontal plane of tibiofemoral joint angulation and standing foot angle, influence knee and ankle joint forces, moments, and muscle activation characteristics. The higher rate of injury and osteoarthritis risk in people with genu varum in respect to normal ones might be due to higher ground reaction forces and the rate of high loading inserted to the extremity during landing. To diminish the risk of injury and osteoarthritis, corrective exercises and corrected biomechanical activity are recommended.Keywords: Peak vertical ground reaction forces, Rate of loading, Single leg drop landing, Genu varum