Subtalar pronation (SP) is a common foot alignment problem. It can disturb the normal movement of the ankle and affect different physical functions. In clinics, taping is often used both to correct the foot position and to help the muscles work more effectively. However, there are no studies examining the combined effect of corrective dynamic taping and kinesio taping in people with SP. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of these two taping methods on balance, agility, and weight transfer in individuals with SP. In this study, 10 people with SP were included in the treatment group and 10 people with SP were included in the control group. Assessments were performed before taping and 45 minutes after the application. The results were statistically compared both within each group and between the groups.
Subtalar pronation (SP) is one of the most common alignment disorders of the foot. Subtalar pronation disrupts ankle biomechanics and leads to alterations in various physical parameters. In clinical practice, taping techniques are frequently preferred in SP both for mechanical correction and for muscular facilitation or inhibition. However, a review of the literature revealed no study investigating the effects of corrective dynamic taping combined with kinesio taping on SP. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of corrective dynamic taping combined with kinesio taping on balance, agility, and weight-transfer characteristics in individuals with SP. Within the scope of the study, 10 individuals with SP were included in the intervention group and 10 individuals with SP were included in the control group. Assessments were performed before taping and 45 minutes after the intervention. The assessment results were statistically compared both between groups and within groups.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
DOUBLE
Enrollment
20
Kinesio taping is a rehabilitation technique that aims to provide maximum functionality by supporting the injured joint or muscle with adhesive elastic tapes. In individuals with subtalar pronation, the tape was applied to the tibialis anterior and peroneus longus muscles on clean skin. To inhibit the tibialis anterior muscle, the tape was applied from the insertion to the origin with 0-25% tension. To facilitate the peroneus longus muscle, the tape was applied from the origin to the insertion with 15-35% tension. For optimal effectiveness between the two measurements, the tape was kept on the skin for 45 minutes.
Dynamic taping is a technique that can stretch in four directions, provides stronger resistance and recoil, and is designed to increase somatosensory input and proprioception. At the beginning of the application, participants were instructed to place their feet in plantar flexion and eversion and to maintain this position during taping. The taping was started from the proximal part of the ankle. Then, while the ankle was in plantar flexion, the forefoot in adduction, and the big toe in flexion, the tape was applied starting from the proximal part of the hallux and attached along the mediolateral plantar surface toward the heel with slight tension. Afterward, the tape was passed around the calcaneus, crossed the lateral midline of the foot obliquely, included the navicular tuberosity, and was fixed at the distal part of the ankle with maximum tension (14). For optimal effectiveness between the two measurements, the dynamic tape was kept on the skin for 45 minutes.
Gazi University
Ankara, Please Select, Turkey (Türkiye)
Balance Assessment
Balance was assessed quantitatively using posturography, which is considered the gold standard method in the literature. This method provides quantitative data on balance by measuring the amount of center of pressure sway while the individual is standing. The K-Force® force platform was used for the quantitative evaluation of balance, as it is a valid and reliable measurement device for balance assessment. During the static test, participants were asked to stand still for 30 seconds, and three trials were recorded. During the dynamic test, participants were asked to jump onto the platform from a height of 30 cm. Dynamic balance was evaluated based on the participant's ability to stabilize and recover balance after landing.
Time frame: 45 minutes
4 × 10 m Shuttle Test
Speed and agility were assessed using the 4 × 10 m shuttle run test. Two parallel lines were marked on the floor 10 meters apart. Participants were asked to run back and forth between the lines as fast as possible, crossing each line with both feet and covering a total distance of 40 meters (4 × 10 m). A BlazePod® device was placed at each end, and participants were required to touch the device and return at maximum speed. The test was performed twice, and the best result was recorded.
Time frame: 45 minutes
T-Test
The T-test consists of four contact points arranged in a T-shape within an area measuring 10 meters in length and 10 meters in width. The aim is for participants to complete a movement sequence between these points in the shortest possible time, requiring changes of direction in different ways. Direction changes are performed by shuffling to the right and left or by running backward. The test includes two 90° turns and one 180° turn, and requires participants to cover a total distance of 40 meters: 10 meters forward, 10 meters to the right, 10 meters to the left, and 10 meters backward.
Time frame: 45 minutes
Foot Posture Index
The measurement was performed in a static position while the participant was standing and bearing full weight on the feet. The Foot Posture Index (FPI) consists of six sub-items, and each item is scored between +2 (clear pronation) and -2 (clear supination); the scores are then summed. The six sub-items include palpation of the talar head, the curves above and below the lateral malleolus, the frontal plane position of the calcaneus, the prominence of the talonavicular joint, the condition of the medial longitudinal arch, and the degree of forefoot abduction or adduction relative to the rearfoot. The total score is used to classify overall foot posture: a score of 0 indicates a neutral posture, positive scores indicate a pronated posture, and negative scores indicate a supinated posture. A score between +6 and +9 indicates pronation, while a score between +10 and +12 indicates excessive pronation.
Time frame: 45 minutes
Weight Transfer Assessment
Weight transfer during quiet standing was assessed using the K-Force® force platform. During the test, participants were asked to stand still for 30 seconds, and the test was repeated three times. Based on the measurements, right-left and anterior-posterior weight transfer were evaluated.
Time frame: 45 minutes
This platform is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.