Effects of Self Exercise Program on Leg Length and Balance in Subjects with Leg-Length Discrepancy

Background: If there is a difference in leg length, the center of gravity shifts unilaterally toward the short leg, causing loss of balance and secondary postural imbalance, trunk muscle tone changes, gait abnormalities and pelvic imbalance. Objectives: To investigate effects of self exercise program on leg length, balance in adults with leg-length discrepancy. Design: Single blind randomized controlled trial. Methods: Twenty-eight participants were selected and divided into resistance exercise, flexibility exercise, and core exercise. Each exercise was performed for 40 minutes, 3 times a week for 6 weeks. Leg length and balance before and after exercise were measured and analyzed. Results: Following the interventions, resistance exercise group showed significant improvement in balance, but leg length difference did not show significant results. Flexibility exercise group showed significant improvement in leg length difference, but balance did not show significant results. Core exercise group showed significant improvement in leg length difference and balance. There was no significant difference in the comparison between the three groups. Conclusion: This study suggests that customized exercise according to the patient's level is beneficial to the patients.