Condition Postural Dysfunction Benchmarked

Genu Varum (Bow Legs)

Lateral bowing of the lower extremity with increased lateral compartment loading. Driven by ITB tension, hip adductor weakness, ankle inversion dominance, and lateral chain tightness. Can be structural (tibial varum) or functional (muscle imbalance).

Clinical note: Structural vs functional distinction is critical. Structural genu varum from tibial bowing cannot be corrected with exercise — the goal shifts to symptom management and load distribution.
6
ROM Tests
4
Corrective Priorities
4
Risk Factors
4
Red Flags

Key ROM Tests

1 Hip Adduction
2 Hip Abduction
3 Obers Test
4 Ankle Inversion
5 Gait Analysis
6 Knee Flexion

Risk Factors Assessed

Hip Adduction
Obers Test
Ankle Inversion
Gait Analysis

Expected Timeline

12-20 weeks for functional, structural varum is managed not corrected

Frequently Asked Questions

Can genu varum (bow legs) be corrected with exercise?
Typical improvement timeline is 12-20 weeks for functional, structural varum is managed not corrected. The protocol includes 4 prioritized corrective interventions and screens for red flags that require medical referral.
What assessments are done for genu varum (bow legs)?
The protocol assesses Hip Adduction, Hip Abduction, Obers Test, Ankle Inversion. Each test identifies the specific driver of the condition, guiding the corrective sequence.
Is genu varum (bow legs) the same for everyone?
No. The assessment differentiates structural from functional causes and identifies the individual's primary driver. The corrective plan is ordered by priority, with the highest-leverage corrections addressed first.
How do I get started with the Genu Varum (Bow Legs) protocol?
Apply for an assessment through AKMI. Your coach will run the Genu Varum (Bow Legs) protocol as part of your initial structural evaluation, then build a personalized corrective plan based on the findings.

Get your Genu Varum (Bow Legs) assessment

Your coach runs this protocol as part of your structural evaluation, then builds a personalized corrective plan based on the data.

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Protocol Details

Category
Condition
Subcategory
Postural Dysfunction
ROM Tests
6
Corrective Targets
4
Benchmarked
Yes
Red Flag Screens
4
Timeline
12-20 weeks for functional, structural varum is managed not corrected
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