Objective: Genu valgum (GV), also known as valgus knee, or knock-knee, is a common orthopaedic condition in growing children. Physiological genu valgum have intermalleolar distance of up to 8 cm, the greatest distance being observed between 3 and 4 years, disappearing gradually after the age of 7-8 years. If the longitudinal axis of the knee joint is not aligned by then, physiotherapeutic intervention is called for. Aim:The aim of our study was to determine if garment with elastic straps and pressure applicator could be used in mechanotherapy to correct children's excessive GV. Methods:The study has lasted last 6 years and there has been three study periods. In all study-periods, practical part lasted six months. Inclusion criterias were: subjects were not involved in physical therapy and did not wear orthoses during the study. Once in every month myometric values (tone, biomechanical and viscoelastic properties of m. sartorius, tensor fasciae latae, semitendinosus, tibialis anterior, gastrocnemius caput mediale, m. peroneus longus) were determined with MyotonPro (Myoton AS, Estonia); anthropometric (height, body mass, intermalleolar distance), and goniometric (tibiofemoral angle) parameters were measured according to the standard technique. During the last three months children didn't wear garment and final measurement was done to evaluate long term effect of garment. Individual analysis was carried out to evaluate the results. Results:After wearing the garments with pressure and elastic components the changes in the lower limb joint alignment and biomechanical parameters promoted the correction of GV position. Three months after the wearing period the changes occurred the worsening of GV position, which indicates that the muscles could not maintain the condition achieved by wearing the garment. Conclusion:The relationship between applied mechano therapeutic stimulus and changes in the lower limb joint alignment and changes of the biomechanical parameters are individual. Study continues with upgrading a device where a new solution is found using digital technology to measure tensile strength at a desired period.

Background: There are non-invasive methods of correcting genu valgum (GV), but to date, there is no method to evaluate mechanotherapeutic intervention that does not restrict child’s natural movements while the process is on-going so that timely decisions could be made on effectiveness of intervention. The aim of study was to develop and assess the comfortability of garments with elastic straps and pressure applicator (GESPA) and the reliability and user-friendliness of “GVcorrect” app, which aims to catch the elastic straps’ pressure level (mN). Methods: 6 children (5–7 y) with intermalleolar distance ≥5 cm wore GESPA daily for 3 months. Anthropometrical and goniometrical measurements were done according to standard technique; tone and biomechanical parameters of skeletal muscles determined with MyotonPRO; feedback about GESPA and “GVcorrect” collected via questionnaire. Results: Based on feedback from children and parents, new, more comfortable and user-friendly GESPA were designed; several updates were made to “GVcorrect” app; new goals were set for the next phase of the study. Conclusions: GESPA and the “GVcorrect” app serve their purpose, but there are still a number of important limitations that need to be removed before the product can be marketed. The study continues with product development until a medical device certificate is obtained.