SURVETUNDLIKE ELASTSUSKOMPONENTIDEGA RETUUSIDE KASUTUSVÕIMALUSE SELGITAMINE MEHAANOTERAAPIAS EELKOOLIEALISTE LASTE GENU VALGUM’I ASENDI KORRIGEERIMISEL
Possibility of using garment with elastic straps and pressure applicator in mechanotherapy to correct preschool children’s genu valgum
Eva Nigulas, Laura Laanesaar, Arved Vain, Anna-Liisa Tamm, Reet Linkberg
Abstract The aim of this study was to determine if garment with elastic straps and pressure applicator could be used in mechanotherapy to correct children’s excessive genu valgum. Two groups were formed: the control group (n=7) and experimental group (n=2). Children in the control group had normal alignment of the lower extremity and their measurement results were used to calculate the average range of reference values. Children in the experimental group had excessive genu valgum. They wore the garment with elastic straps and pressure applicator for three months. The garment was improved with a sensor sensing the pressure applied to the medial localized part of the knee joint. Practical part of the study lasted five months: once in a month anthropometric (body height and body mass, intermalleolar distance), goniometric (tibiofemoral and ankle angle, internal and external hip rotation) and myometric values (tone and biomechanical properties of m. sartorius, m. tensor fasciae latae, m. tibialis anterior, m. gastrocnemius caput mediale) were measured. During the last two months the children did not wear the garment and the final measurement was performed to evaluate the long term effect of the garment. Individual analysis was carried out to evaluate the results. Comparison 49