Gait Analysis of Adolescent Females with Knock Knees Versus Flat Feet: A Pilot Study

A bstract Background: Gait analysis is essential for understanding walking mechanics and diagnosing lower-limb deformities such as flatfoot (pes planus) and knock knees (genu valgum), both of which alter force distribution and walking patterns. While these deformities are often studied independently, direct comparisons of their kinetic and kinematic gait parameters remain limited. Materials and Methods: This pilot study compared gait variables in adolescent females with flatfoot and knock knees. Ten participants aged 13–17 years (five with flatfoot and five with knock knees) were assessed using the Zebris force distribution measurement pressure plate system. Forty gait variables, including gait line length, contact time, load change time, and maximum force and pressure across the forefoot, midfoot, and heel, were analyzed. Independent t tests were performed to determine significant differences between the two groups. Results: Participants with flatfoot exhibited longer gait line lengths and more evenly distributed pressure values, whereas those with knock knees demonstrated delayed load transfer and altered timing of maximum force, particularly at the midfoot and heel. Time-related variables, such as time to maximum force and load change time (as a percentage of stance phase), also showed significant differences. Conclusion: The findings reveal distinct gait adaptations between flatfoot and knock knees, underscoring the need for condition-specific assessments and interventions. As a pilot study, these results are exploratory but provide a foundation for future research with larger and more diverse samples.