This systematic review aimed to evaluate the effects of various corrective exercises and supportive tools in individuals with genu valgum. To ensure a comprehensive review, a search for original research, review articles, and clinical trials in both Persian and English was conducted using databases such as WOS, SID, ISC, Magiran, Scopus, PubMed, and Google Scholar. The search covered publications during January 2008 to March 2023. A total of 76 relevant articles were selected based on strict inclusion and exclusion criteria, with 22 articles ultimately reviewed and analyzed regarding the effects of various corrective exercises and supportive tools on genu valgum. Findings from one study indicated that aerobic exercises had a significant impact on reducing body mass index (BMI) and the severity of genuvalgum. Other studies reported positive effects of resistance and corrective exercises on improving muscle electrical activity and knee stability. One study demonstrated that the use of orthotic insoles could significantly enhance knee joint support during stair descent. Six studies highlighted the positive effects of using orthoses, wedges, and braces in individuals with genu valgum. Conversely, one study pointed out the negative impact of these tools, citing the reduced limiting angle of the brace, increased applied forces, and, ultimately, greater injury risk. However, findings from three studies overwhelmingly supported the positive effects of using kinesiotape in individuals with genu valgum, providing optimism about the effectiveness of these interventions. In conclusion, our review underscores the promising potential of corrective exercises, particularly resistance exercises with TheraBand, and the combination of these with supportive tools such as insoles for arch support and kinesiotape. These interventions show significant promise in reducing the degree of knee valgus in individuals with genu valgum. This hopeful outlook can inspire healthcare professionals and individuals seeking evidence-based interventions for genu valgum, empowering them with the knowledge to make informed decisions about their care.
 

Background and Objective: Individuals with a history of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury are at a higher risk of re-injury compared to healthy individuals. ACL-injured patients exhibit weaker longitudinal arches and increased foot pronation compared to healthy individuals. This study aimed to determine the effect of short-term use of anti-pronation insoles on plantar pressure variables following ACL reconstruction (ACLR) with a pronated foot during gait.
Methods: This quasi-experimental study was conducted on 15 male participants who had undergone ACLR with a pronated foot (mean age= 23.2±4.5 years) and 15 healthy males (mean age= 22.7±4.3 years) in Ardabil, Iran during 2022. Plantar pressure values during gait with and without the use of anti-pronation insoles were recorded and compared using a foot scanner (sampling rate: 300 Hz).
Results: The effect of the group factor on the big toe plantar pressure variable was statistically significant (P<0.05). Pairwise comparison results demonstrated a significant increase in pressure in the ACLR group (154.63±41.71 N/cm²) compared to the healthy group (126.54±26.57 N/cm²) (P<0.05). Intragroup comparison results revealed a significant decrease in pressure on the second to fifth toes (215.73±60.74 N/cm²) and the first plantar (420.58±107.56 N/cm²) when using anti-pronation insoles compared to the non-insole condition (the second to fifth toes (201.57±76.21 N/cm²) and the first plantar (400.78±118.20 N/cm²) in the ACL reconstruction group (P<0.05).
Conclusion: The use of anti-pronation insoles can effectively reduce plantar pressure after ACLR in individuals with a pronated foot during gait.