Abstract
BackgroundLow-Dye taping is used for excessive pronation at the subtalar joint of the foot. Previous research has focused on the tape's immediate effect on plantar pressure. Its effectiveness following exercise has not been investigated. Peak plantar pressure distribution provides an indirect representation of subtalar joint kinematics. The objectives of the study were 1) To determine the effects of Low-Dye taping on peak plantar pressure immediately post-application. 2) To determine whether any initial effects are maintained following exercise.Methods12 asymptomatic subjects participated; each being screened for excessive pronation (navicular drop > 10 mm). Plantar pressure data was recorded, using the F-scan, at four intervals during the testing session: un-taped, baseline-taped, post-exercise session 1, and post-exercise session 2. Each exercise session consisted of a 10-minute walk at a normal pace. The foot was divided into 6 regions during data analysis. Repeated-measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to assess regional pressure variations across the four testing conditions.ResultsReduced lateral forefoot peak plantar pressure was the only significant difference immediately post tape application (p = 0.039). This effect was lost after 10 minutes of exercise (p = 0.036). Each exercise session resulted in significantly higher medial forefoot peak pressure compared to un-taped; (p = 0.015) and (p = 0.014) respectively, and baseline-taped; (p = 0.036) and (p = 0.015) respectively. Medial and lateral rearfoot values had also increased after the second session (p = 0.004), following their non-significant reduction at baseline-taped. A trend towards a medial-to-lateral shift in pressure present in the midfoot immediately following tape application was still present after 20 minutes of exercise.ConclusionLow-Dye tape's initial effect of reduced lateral forefoot peak plantar pressure was lost after a 10-minute walk. However, the tape continued to have an effect on the medial forefoot after 20 minutes of exercise. Further studies with larger sample sizes are required to examine the important finding of the anti-pronatory trend present in the midfoot.
Highlights
Low-Dye taping is used for excessive pronation at the subtalar joint of the foot
Low-Dye taping is used by physiotherapists for the management of symptoms related to excessive pronation at the subtalar joint of the foot [3]
A navicular drop greater than 10 mm was necessary for participation, as this is indicative of excessive pronation [11]
Summary
Low-Dye taping is used for excessive pronation at the subtalar joint of the foot. The objectives of the study were 1) To determine the effects of Low-Dye taping on peak plantar pressure immediately post-application. Excessive pronation occurs when the subtalar joint remains pronated beyond the midstance period of the gait cycle [4]. The LD taping technique aims to reduce excessive pronation by creating an external supinating force medial to the subtalar joint axis, namely at the medial plantar surface of the foot [6]. This helps to raise the medial longitudinal arch, and bring the subtalar joint closer to its neutral position
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