õhupõlve

õhupõlve, also known as air knee, is a term used in the context of physical rehabilitation and biomechanics. It refers to a specific posture or movement pattern where the knee joint appears to "collapse" inwards or excessively bend during activities like squatting, lunging, or landing from a jump. This phenomenon is often observed in individuals with muscle imbalances, poor proprioception, or weakness in the hip abductor and gluteal muscles.

The inward collapse of the knee, or knee valgus, can put excessive stress on the knee joint, including the ligaments, cartilage, and meniscus. Over time, this can contribute to pain, injury, and conditions such as patellofemoral pain syndrome, anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears, and osteoarthritis. Understanding and correcting õhupõlve is crucial for preventing such issues and improving overall lower limb function.

Rehabilitation programs aimed at addressing õhupõlve typically focus on strengthening the muscles surrounding the hip and knee, particularly the gluteus medius and gluteus maximus. Exercises that improve hip abduction, external rotation, and core stability are often incorporated. Additionally, proprioceptive training and neuromuscular re-education help individuals develop better body awareness and control over their knee alignment during movement. Correcting õhupõlve is essential for athletes, dancers, and anyone seeking to maintain healthy and functional lower extremities.