The Relationship Between Football Participation Level and Lower Leg Alignment in Youth Males: Genu Varum

Abstract

The aim of this study was to determine the effects of football participation levels on genu varum ratings by using Q angle and intercondylar distance. Twenty male football players for each elite and amateur football teams and 20 sedentary young male volunteers participated in this study. The anthropometric variables (body height, body weight, body fat percentage, body mass index) and genu varum levels by evaluating the lower extremity alignment using intercondylar distance, and Q angles for both legs were measured. The intercondylar distance measurements were done by using caliper with the sensitivity of 0.01 mm and Q angle measurements were carried out by the examination of the photographs of participants. One Way ANOVA and post-hoc Tukey test were used to assess statistically intra-group differences. Cohen's Kappa coefficient were used to determine agreement among observers. SPSS v.25 program was used to analyse the data. Intercondylar distance values were found significantly higher in elite group than in amateur and sedentary groups (45.65 ± 13.54; 28.84 ± 14.61; 3.70 ± 5.19 mm, respectively, p<0.001). As a result of this study, it was determined that the participation level of football trainings lead an increase in intercondylar distance significantly. The highest Q-angle values were observed in amateur football players.