Physical Performance in Young Adult Women With High Femoral Anteversion

Area of Science:

• Biomechanics
• Orthopedics
• Sports Medicine

Background:

• High femoral anteversion (HFA) is characterized by increased inward twisting of the femur.
• This anatomical variation can influence lower extremity biomechanics and hip joint alignment.
• Understanding the functional implications of HFA is crucial for athletic and clinical populations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of high femoral anteversion on physical performance in young adult women.
• To compare physical performance metrics between women with HFA and age-matched controls.
• To determine if anatomical differences in HFA affect measures of strength, flexibility, and endurance.

Main Methods:

• Cross-sectional observational study involving 22 women with HFA and 22 controls (mean age ~21-22 years).
• Femoral anteversion assessed via Craig test and hip range of motion (internal/external rotation).
• Physical performance evaluated using sit-and-reach, hand-grip strength, back-leg-chest dynamometry, jump tests, and 6-minute walk test.

Main Results:

• The HFA group demonstrated significantly increased hip internal rotation and decreased external rotation, with higher anteversion angles (p < 0.001).
• No significant differences were observed in most physical performance tests between the HFA and control groups (p > 0.05).
• A trend towards lower back-leg-chest strength was noted in the HFA group (p = 0.05).

Conclusions:

• Despite significant differences in hip joint anatomy, young women with high femoral anteversion exhibit largely comparable physical performance to their peers.
• The findings suggest that HFA alone may not be a limiting factor for general physical function in asymptomatic young women.
• Further research is warranted to explore the effects of HFA in symptomatic individuals and its potential functional consequences.