Low-dye Taping Research Articles

Effect of High-intensity LASER Therapy, Kinesio-taping and Plantar-fascia Stretching on Patients with Plantar Fasciitis: A Study Protocol

Introduction: Plantar Fasciitis (PF) is the most frequent musculoskeletal condition that primarily affects the foot, causing tenderness and disturbed foot function. Need of the study: The planned clinical trial will proceed with the aim of ensuring that the intervention is accessible to the general public, irrespective of the outcomes. This study will help in exploring the effect of HILT, KT and plantar-fascia stretching and to add this method as adjunct to conventional physiotherapy approach in plantar fasciitis sufferers. Aim: To evaluate the effect of combination of {High-Intensity Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation (LASER) Therapy HILT)} with Kinesio-taping (KT), and plantar-fascia stretching in improving pain pressure threshold and foot function in individuals suffering from PF. Materials and Methods: A single-blinded randomised clinical trial design will be employed to enroll both male and female participants aged >18 years, with plantar heel pain lasting more than 4 weeks and will be randomly divided into two groups. The experimental group will receive HILT along with KT using the low-dye taping technique, while the comparator group will receive HILT along with plantar-fascia stretching. A power analysis will be conducted to determine the appropriate sample size based on the findings of a pilot study. Outcome measures will include pressure algometry to assess pressure pain threshold and the foot function index to evaluate disability. The study outcomes could either indicate a meaningful difference between the groups or not. This will confirm the practical relevance of the intervention for individuals suffering from plantar fasciitis.

Comparison of the effects of low-dye and kinesio taping in plantar fasciitis

Comparison of the effects of low-dye and kinesio taping in plantar fasciitis

The Short-Term Effect of Dynamic Tape versus the Low-Dye Taping Technique in Plantar Fasciitis: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Plantar fasciitis is a painful disorder that affects the plantar fascia of the foot, with a multifactorial aetiology. Dorsal flexion deficiency in the ankle is a risk factor for it. The provisional use of taping is described as part of conservative treatment. Dynamic Tape® is a type of tape that, adhered to muscles, allows for potential elastic energy to accumulate and dissipate later, optimizing its function. Therefore, it can offer immediate benefits while the patient awaits definitive treatment depending on the cause. To verify the effectiveness of Dynamic Tape® and the low-dye taping technique on pain intensity, ankle range of motion, and foot posture index. A randomised, double-blind clinical trial was conducted. A total of 57 subjects from the Clinical Podiatry Area of the University of Seville (Spain), clinically diagnosed with plantar fasciitis, were randomized into two groups. For one week, in the gastrocnemius-Achilles-plantar system, one group was treated with Dynamic Tape® and another group with low-dye taping. Pain, degrees of movement of dorsal flexion, and the foot posture index were measured in both groups before the intervention and one week after the intervention. A repeated-measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to explore the differences between groups. Significant differences in the decrease in pain intensity using Dynamic Tape® were found when comparing the treatments (p = 0.015) and the foot posture index was more normal in low-dye taping (p < 0.001). In both cases, the treatment showed similar behaviour with respect to the dorsal flexion ankle movement. The effectiveness of Dynamic Tape®, compared to that of the low-dye taping, has a major benefit with regard to pain intensity from fasciitis, although it does not produce changes in the ankle range of motion and foot posture index. Consequently, Dynamic Tape® can be considered a taping technique with beneficial effects on pain intensity in the provisional approach to plantar fasciitis.

Low-dye taping may enhance physical performance and muscle activation in basketball players with overpronated feet.

Low-dye taping (LTD) is widely used by athletes and medical practitioners but the research regarding its impacts on athletic performance is lacking. This study investigated the effects of using low-dye taping on plyometric performance and muscle activities in recreational basketball players with overpronated feet. Twelve collegiate males with at least three years basketball training experience and navicular drop (ND) value ≥10 mm performed the navicular drop, drop jump and countermovement jump tests. Surface electromyography of selected lower limb muscles were observed during bilateral free squat. All tests in non-taped (NT) and taped (TAP) conditions were counterbalanced using repeated crossover study design. Paired t-test with an alpha level of 0.05 and non-clinical magnitude-based decision (MBD) with standardized effects were used to analyze data. Contact time and reactive strength index (RSI) in the TAP condition were significantly shorter (p = 0.041) and higher (p<0.01) than the NT condition respectively. No significant difference in CMJ performance between NT and TAP was observed. MBD demonstrated clear effects on both ND (standardized effect: -1.54±0.24), flight time (standardized effect: 0.24±0.30), contact time (standardized effect: -0.27±0.21), RSI (standardized effect: 0.69±0.35) and eccentric activities of inferior gluteus maximus (standardized effect: 0.23±0.35), gluteus medius (standardized effect: 0.26±0.29) and tibialis anterior (standardized effect: 0.22±0.06). LDT is effective in correcting overpronated feet by increasing ND height. Meanwhile, it provides a small increase in RSI and gluteal muscle activity during the eccentric (down) phase of the bilateral squat, and without affecting CMJ performance. Conditioning coaches or therapists may use LDT to enhance gluteal activation for reducing injury occurrence and reactive strength performance in drop jump tasks.

Effects Of Low-Dye Taping On Plantar Fascia Strain And Kinematics In Individuals With Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis is thought to be caused by excessive strain of the plantar fascia, which may occur due to altered foot kinematics displayed by individuals with plantar fasciitis. The low-Dye taping method has been found to be effective at reducing pain and increasing function in individuals with plantar fasciitis, although the exact mechanisms for these changes are unclear. PURPOSE: To determine the effects of low-Dye taping on plantar fascia strain and foot kinematics in individuals with plantar fasciitis. METHODS: Fifteen adults with plantar fasciitis completed the repeated measures study. Each participant walked barefoot at a self-selected speed while untaped and while their pathological foot was taped with the low-Dye taping method. A six-segment musculoskeletal model of the foot was used to provide estimates of plantar fascia and other foot ligament strains. Statistical Parametric Mapping (SPM) was used to compare plantar fascia strain, and post hoc SPM analyses of several foot joint kinematics were conducted to explain the differences in plantar fascia strain. Finally, strains of several foot ligaments were investigated using SPM procedures. RESULTS: Significantly greater plantar fascia strain was found during the untaped condition between 67-79% of stance phase (p = 0.001), which does not include the time in which peak strain occurred. The low-Dye taping method also reduced dorsiflexion of the talonavicular joint from 52-86% of stance phase (p < 0.001), which represents a reduction in arch collapse. In addition, significant strain reductions in the taped condition were noted in the superior and inferior slips of the spring ligament from 14-87% (p < 0.001) and 16-87% (p < 0.001) of stance phase, respectively, as well as in the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th slips of the long plantar ligament from 56-86% (p < 0.001), 59-86% (p < 0.001), and 68-81% (p < 0.001) of stance phase, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that if low-Dye taping is effective for individuals with plantar fasciitis, it is not by reducing peak plantar fascia strain, but instead by reducing cumulative strain across the entire stance phase. This reduction in strain during stance phase occurs due to the reduction in arch collapse. Furthermore, several other ligaments are significantly affected by the low-Dye taping method.

Plantar Fasciopathy - Pathophysiology Diagnostics and Therapy - A Clinical Guideline

Plantar Fasciopathy - Pathophysiology Diagnostics and Therapy - A Clinical Guideline Abstract. Plantar fasciitis (often referred to as "heel spurs") is a common problem in daily practice. Approximately 4-10% of the general population is affected, in athletes the prevalence is even higher with an estimated prevalence of 5-18%. Heel pain is one of the most common running injuries. Besides runners, overweight individuals exposed to several hours of standing or walking daily are also at risk. The reduction in quality of life can be considerably high. The diagnosis can usually be secured by means of a targeted anamnesis and clinical examination, backed up by ultrasound examination or MRI. The most common differential diagnoses are irritation of the Baxter's nerve, tarsal tunnel syndrome, and insertional tendinopathy of the Achilles tendon. Plantar heel pain is a domain of conservative therapy, surgical procedures are very rarely required. The basic therapy consists of patient education and stretching exercises, it can be expanded by low dye taping, insoles, and extracorporeal shock wave therapy. If this does not lead to a significant improvement in symptoms, night splints and infiltrations can be useful.

Single Session of Low-dye Calcaneal Taping as a Viable Alternative to LASER Therapy for the Treatment of Plantar Fasciitis: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Single Session of Low-dye Calcaneal Taping as a Viable Alternative to LASER Therapy for the Treatment of Plantar Fasciitis: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Does QUICK TAPE Offer Comparable Support and Off-loading as Low-Dye Taping?

Low-Dye taping is commonly used to manage foot pathologies and pain. Precut one-piece QUICK TAPE was designed to facilitate taping. However, no study to date has demonstrated that QUICK TAPE offers similar support and off-loading as traditional taping. This pilot study compared the performance of QUICK TAPE and low-Dye taping in 20 healthy participants (40 feet) with moderate-to-severe pes planus. Study participants completed arch height index (AHI), dynamic plantar assessment with a plantar pressure measurement system, and subjective rating in three conditions: barefoot, low-Dye, and QUICK TAPE. The order of test conditions was randomized for each participant, and the taping was applied to both feet based on a standard method. A generalized estimating equation with an identity link function was used to examine differences across test conditions while accounting for potential dependence in bilateral data. Participants stood with a significantly greater AHI (P = .007) when either taping was applied compared with barefoot. Participants also demonstrated significantly different plantar loading when walking with both tapings versus barefoot. Both tapings yielded reduced force-time integral (FTI) in the medial and lateral forefoot and increased FTI under toes. Unlike previous studies, however, no lateralization of plantar pressure was observed with either taping. Participants ranked both tapings more supportive than barefoot. Most participants (77.8%) ranked low-Dye least comfortable, and 55.6% preferred QUICK TAPE over low-Dye. Additional studies are needed to examine the clinical utility of QUICK TAPE in individuals with foot pathologies such as heel pain syndrome and metatarsalgia.

Reliability and Repeatability of Pressure Center Analysis with Low-Dye Taping Using Force Platform Podiatry Sensors in Feet with Excessive Pronation.

Background: The analysis of the center of pressure (COP) is a method used to assess the foot function, but its reliability and repeatability have not been evaluated. COP can be altered by diverse conditions, like an excessive foot pronation. Low-Dye taping is commonly used for the treatment of symptoms related to an excessive pronation. To date, no study has evaluated the effects of the Low-Dye taping on COP and the duration of its effects. Thus, the main purpose of this manuscript was to assess the reliability and repeatability of the percentage of center of pressure locus area (%CLA) in feet with an excessive pronation, and secondarily, to assess that the Low-Dye taping modifies the %CLA during the immediate 48 h. Methods: An observational study of the reliability and repeatability of the %CLA variable with the Low-Dye taping in feet with excessive pronation was carried out. We used the EPS-Platform to evaluate the results of the variable in 6 conditions in a first session to evaluate the reliability of the results. We compared the results of the first session with the results in a second session to evaluate the repeatability of the results. We also carried out an ANOVA test to evaluate the changes that the taping produced in the variable between without taping with the rest of the 6 conditions. Results: For the %CLA, we observed a reliability greater than 0.80, measured by the interclass ratio index, both in the first session before taping, and in the second session before taping, thus being a repeatability variable. In the following times, with taping, at 10 min with tape, at 20 min with tape, at 24 h with tape and at 48 h with tape; an interclass ratio coefficient (ICC) higher than 0.80 was again obtained, thus being a reliable variable in all measurements made. The Low-Dye taping did not change %CLA from the time the tape was put in until 48 h (p-value = 1.000). Conclusions: The %CLA variable, in feet with excessive pronation, proved to be a reliable variable in all the measurements obtained before putting on the tape and during the following 48 h with the tape, and a repeatable variable. The Low-Dye taping did not change the %CLA from the time the tape was put in until 48 h.

Comparison of Calcaneal Taping and Low-Dye Taping for the Short-Term Management of Plantar Fasciitis

Background: Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel and foot pain. Physical therapists have applied many techniques in an attempt to relieve the symptoms of plantar fasciitis, including various taping methods for which there is little existing evidence. Purpose of the study is to compare the effects of 2 different taping techniques in short-term management of plantar fasciitis. Study design was randomized pre- and post-test different subject experimental design. Methods and Measure: Subjects (n=30) were randomly assigned into 3 groups: (A) calcaneal taping and conventional treatment,(B) low-dye taping and conventional treatment, (C) conventional treatment only. Visual analog scale (VAS) for first-step pain and foot function index scale (FFI) for functional activities were measured pretreatment, 4th day and after 1 week of treatment, 7th day ( post-treatment). Result: Follow up analysis revealed that calcaneal and low-dye taping showed greater improvement on 2nd and 3rd session compared to conventional treatment. Conclusion: Subjects treated with calcaneal and low-dye taping along with ultrasound and passive stretching showed an additional and more significant improvement as compared to ultrasound and passive stretching only and also there was no significant difference found between calcaneal and low-dye taping groups in terms of reduction of pain on VAS and FFI. Hence, it can be concluded that both calcaneal and low-dye taping techniques are effective therapeutic option in short-term treatment of plantar fasciitis.

Preliminary Evidence That Taping Does Not Optimize Joint Coupling of the Foot and Ankle Joints in Patients with Chronic Ankle Instability.

Background: Foot–ankle motion is affected by chronic ankle instability (CAI) in terms of altered kinematics. This study focuses on multisegmental foot–ankle motion and joint coupling in barefoot and taped CAI patients during the three subphases of stance at running. Methods: Foot segmental motion data of 12 controls and 15 CAI participants during running with a heel strike pattern were collected through gait analysis. CAI participants performed running trials in three conditions: barefoot running, and running with high-dye and low-dye taping. Dependent variables were the range of motion (RoM) occurring at the different inter-segment angles as well as the cross-correlation coefficients between predetermined segments. Results: There were no significant RoM differences for barefoot running between CAI patients and controls. In taped conditions, the first two subphases only showed RoM changes at the midfoot without apparent RoM reduction compared to the barefoot CAI condition. In the last subphase there was limited RoM reduction at the mid- and rearfoot. Cross-correlation coefficients highlighted a tendency towards weaker joint coupling in the barefoot CAI condition compared to the controls. Joint coupling within the taped CAI conditions did not show optimization compared to the barefoot CAI condition. Conclusions: RoM was not significantly changed for barefoot running between CAI patients and controls. In taped conditions, there was no distinct tendency towards lower mean RoM values due to the mechanical restraints of taping. Joint coupling in CAI patients was not optimized by taping.

Effects of adjuvant low-dye Kinesio taping, adjuvant sham taping, or extracorporeal shockwave therapy alone in plantar fasciitis: A randomised double-blind controlled trial.

Extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) is known as one of the most effective treatment methods in plantar fasciitis (PF). Low-dye taping, which is the most preferred method of banding treatments, provides an analgesic effect by correcting biomechanics. It was aimed to compare the efficacy of adjuvant low-dye kinesio-taping (KT), sham-taping, or ESWT alone in PF. In this double-blind, sham-controlled study, 45 patients with PF were randomised into Group 3 (Group 1: ESWT plus low-dye KT, n=15; Group 2: ESWT plus Sham-taping, n=15; and Group 3: ESWT only, n=15) five-session ESWT were administrated. KT was performed and changed every 1-week for the ESWT sessions in Groups 1 and 2. The main outcome measures were the visual analogue scale (VAS) change, the heel tenderness index (HTI), foot function index (FFI). The patients were evaluated at the beginning and end of the treatment and at the 4-week follow-up. The demographic characteristics and baseline outcomes between groups were similar (P>.05). No significant difference was found between Groups 1 and 2, Groups 1 and 3 and Groups 2 and 3 with respect to VAS, HTI changes during the 4-week follow-up. VAS and HTI changes were observed in all three groups, there were no differences between groups. Repeated-measures ANOVA showed a significant interaction between the time and the groups in FFI-total (F3.919 =2.607; P=.043). For the FFI total, there was only a significant difference in favour of Group 1 when compared with Group 2 (P=.027). Although low-dye KT in addition to ESWT was more effective on foot function improvement than additive sham-taping and ESWT alone, it did not provide a significant benefit on pain and heel tenderness because of PF. The study was registered at the U.S. National Institutes of Health (ClinicalTrials.gov) (NCT03904966).

Acute effect of low-Dye taping on dynamic plantar pressure in subjects with overpronation foot.

Introduction: The pronation foot is related to numerous musculoskeletal disorders, in order to reverse this biomechanical dysfunction has often been used to low-Dye taping (LDT). Objective: Evaluate the acute effect of the application of low-Dye taping (LDT) on dynamic Baropodometric parameters (DBP) in subjects with foot overpronation. Method: They evaluated 17 feet by baropodometric dynamic by midgait protocol. The pressure measurements were obtained by planting stratification of the foot region in eight shades in LDT conditions and without taping. Results: The Student t test for paired samples showed a significant reduction of peak plantar pressure, mean plantar pressure, integral pressure / time largely masks studied without however generate substantial increases in other plantar regions. Conclusion: The application of LDT proved to be an efficient way to reduce the DPB in subjects with foot overpronation.

Effects of Low-Dye Taping Applied to Chronic Stroke Patients on Gat Speed

Background/Objectives: This study examines the effects of the normal biomechanical maintenance of the feet through Low-Dye taping on the gait treatment in chronic stroke patients and presents the basis of clinical intervention.Method/Statistical Analysis: In this study, 5 cm-wide elastic tapings was applied to improve gait ability in 20 chronic stroke patients. Low-Dye taping was applied for foot alignment. Gait was measured by BTS G-walk (G-walk, BTS, Italy). In this study, taping was applied after the initial assessment, and post measurement was performed after 30 min of taping to examine the immediate effects of taping on the gait parameters. The main outcome of this study is gait speed, and the secondary outcomes are cadence and stride length.Findings: The research group showed significant increases in gait speed and cadence except for the stride length at 30 min after applying the taping.Improvements/Applications: After applying the Low-Dye taping to chronic stroke patients, their gait speed and cadence showed significant differences due to the effects of ankle joint alignment and medial longitudinal arch lift and support. Therefore, Low-Dye taping was effective in improving the gait ability of chronic stroke patients.

Comparative Study between Taping Mechanism with Customized Foot Orthosis and Prefabricated Foot Orthosis in Plantar Fasciitis: A Literature Review

Background: Plantar Fasciitis is caused by repetitive micro tearing of the plantar fascia and it is one of the most common foot complaints. The common characteristics of plantar fasciitis are pain and tenderness under the heel on weight bearing which results in limitations of physical activity. Initial treatment of plantar fasciitis always consists of conservative methods. More than 90% of patients respond favourably to conservative treatment, but symptoms often improve gradually, and complete resolution can take many months. Aim: Aim of the review is to compare the effects taping mechanism with customized foot orthosis and prefabricated foot orthosis in plantar fasciitis. Method and materials: Data sources-Electronic databases were searched (ovid [medline], embase, amed, pubmed, sportdiscus, cinahl, mantis, cochrane library, ausport and the index to chiropractic literature) from January, 2000 to December, 2016 using a predefined search strategy. Study selection-rcts, prospective. Types of participants:-We planned to include patients who were diagnosed and management age between 19 to 55 years with unilateral plantar fasciitis, and pain is typically felt on the first step in the morning. We excluded bilateral plantar fasciitis. Types of intervention-We included all types of taping management for plantar fasciitis, customized foot orthosis and prefabricated foot orthosis for plantar fasciitis. Types of outcome measure-We examined outcome over the long term follow up. Outcome measures-Pain and foot function index. Data Extraction: The data were extracted independently by authors using the same data extraction table. The data tables were then compared and any difference in the data collection was further scrutinized until resolution was found. Demographic data were collected pertaining to the subjects within the selected studies, as were the outcome measures utilized and the results of the within-group changes for each treatment arm of interest. Data relevant to the information utilized by the PEDro instrument were also collected. Discussion and conclusion: Foot orthoses having more positive result for treatment of plantar fasciitis. Low dye taping is used as a temporary support. Most of the study was in favoured for foot orthoses.

Preventative Taping in Futsal: An Exploratory Analysis of Low-Dye Taping on Planter Force Distribution and Pain Sensitivity

The purpose of the present study was to investigate the changes in plantar foot force distribution (i.e., the percentage of force and force distribution under the rearfoot and forefoot) and plantar pressure pain sensitivity maps in professional futsal players after long-term low-dye taping (LDT). The subjects (n = 25) were male futsal players (age 23.03 ± 1.15 years). During the experiment, a nonelastic tape was applied on the plantar foot surface according to the standards of LDP. The experimental protocol consisted of a 3-day cycle during which the plantar foot force distribution (FFD) and plantar pressure pain threshold (PPT) were measured: (1) before the tape was applied, (2) 24 h after application, and (3) 72 h after application. The results revealed a significant decrease in the force distribution under the rearfoot (p ≤ 0.001) and forefoot (p ≤ 0.001) on the right and left sides. Moreover, the results showed an increase in the plantar pressure pain threshold in all regions of the foot (p ≤ 0.001). The results of this study suggest that plantar fascial taping can be an effective method for normalizing the force distribution on the foot and reducing the plantar pain threshold. The findings provide useful information regarding the prevention of and physical therapy of lower extremity injuries in soccer and futsal.

The effect of low-Dye taping on hopping performance in handball players

Low-Dye taping is a useful technique for preventing foot injuries. However, the use of inextensible tape may lead to a decline in movement performance as a result of limited foot joint mobility and a change in vertical stiffness due to the passive stiffening of the tarsus and metatarsus. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to determine the effect of low-Dye taping on sport movement performance observed during a hopping task. The study was carried out on a group of 11 male handball players. The Myotest accelerometer was used to evaluate the effect of low-Dye taping on jumping height, ground contact time and vertical stiffness during the hopping test. Each study participant performed four series of 5 hops (hopping test): two series before low-Dye taping and two after. No statistically significant differences were found between the values recorded before and after low-Dye taping for the variables that describe the hopping task: mean jump height, mean ground contact time and mean vertical stiffness. Low-Dye taping can be successfully used in handball players since it has a preventive effect that reduces the risk of injury to the foot and does not influence vertical stiffness or jump height to a significant extent.

Effectiveness of Arch Support Taping is Subjects With Excessive Foot Pronation: A Meta-analysis

Background: An excessive pronated is defined as a flattening or complete loss of the medial longitudinal arch. Excessive is considered to have high risk factors of overuse injuries in the lower limb. Various treatments have been investigated in attempts to control excessive pronation.Objects: This meta-analysis identifies the effects of an anti-pronation technique using different materials.Methods: The electronic databases used include MEDLINE, the Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro), Science Direct, the Korean Studies Information Service System (KISS), the Research Information Sharing Service (RISS), the Korea National Library, and the Korean Medical Database (studies published up to July 31, 2019). The database search used the following keywords: foot drop OR foot OR foot pronation OR flat (pes planus) AND taping OR support. Eight eligible studies were analyzed to determine the effectiveness of anti-pronation in study and control groups.Results: The overall random effect size (Hedges’ g) of the anti-pronation technique was 0.147 (95% confidence interval [CI]: -.214 to .509). When the effect (Hedges’ g) was compared by the type of tape material, rigid tape (RT; Lowdye taping) was .213 (95% CI: -.278 to .704) and kinesiotape (KT; arch support taping) was -.014 (95% CI: -.270 to .242). Based on this meta-analysis, it was not possible to identify the extent to which anti-pronation was effective in preventing navicular drop, improving balance, or changing pressure. Only three of the eight eligible studies applied KT on excessive pronated feet, and the outcome measure areas were different to those of the RT studies. The KT studies used EMG data, overall posture index (FPI) scores, and rear FPI scores. In contrast, the RT studies measured navicular heights, various angles, and pressure.Conclusion: This review could not find any conclusive evidence about the effectiveness of any method for patients with pronated feet. Future studies are needed to develop the anti-pronation technique based on the clinical scientific evidence.

Prediction on the plantar fascia strain offload upon Fascia taping and Low-Dye taping during running

BackgroundTaping is commonly prescribed to treat plantar fasciitis for runners by virtue of its alleged ability to offload the plantar fascia and facilitate positive injury prognosis. Our study aimed to investigate how different taping methods could change the loading on the plantar fascia during running using computational simulations. MethodsA finite element foot model was modified from a previous version to fit the study's purpose. The model featured twenty bones, bulk soft tissue, foot muscles, ligaments/tendons, and a solid part representing the plantar fascia. A runner performed several running trials under one untaped condition and two taped conditions—Low-Dye taping and Fascia taping, which were implemented by a physiotherapist using the Kinesio tapes. The captured motion data were processed to drive a scaled musculoskeletal model and calculate segmental kinematics, foot muscle force, and joint reaction force. These variables were then input as the boundary/loading conditions for finite element analyses of running. The principal tensile strain on the plantar fascia, subtalar eversion, and navicular height during the stance phase were averaged across five trials of each condition and compared using Friedman's test. ResultsMaximal subtalar eversion did not differ among conditions (p = 0.449). Fascia taping significantly reduced maximal strains on the fascia band (p = 0.034, Kendall's W = 0.64–0.76) and increased the navicular height (p = 0.013, Kendall's W = 0.84) compared with nontaping. There were no significant differences in all outcome variables between Low-Dye taping and nontaping (p = 0.173–0.618). ConclusionFrom a mechanical point of view, our study provided quantitative evidence to support the application of taping treatments for overstrained plantar fascia. The untensed fascia band by Fascia taping could be a potential indicator of pain relief for the runners. However, a prospective study targeting the patient population would be needed to address the point. The Translational Potential of this ArticleThe study quantified the loading status of the plantar fascia during running and provided mechanical evidence to support the usage of taping as a mean to reduce fascial strain, thus possibly controlling injury risks for the runners. The results of the study also highlighted the importance of selecting specific taping methods based on individuals' needs.

The effect of short foot exercise and low-dye taping on foot alignment, plantar foot pressure and static balance in adults with flat foot

The effect of short foot exercise and low-dye taping on foot alignment, plantar foot pressure and static balance in adults with flat foot