Influence of Taping on Lower Extremity Biomechanics of Those with Limited Ankle Dorsiflexion (2014)

Undergraduates: Danielle Enrique, R Begalle and S Goto T Michell

Faculty Advisor: Darin Padua
Department: Exercise & Sport Science

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Athletic taping techniques have been identified as a way to prevent excessive foot pronation, which can cause overuse injuries including plantar fasciitis, medial tibial stress syndrome, and tendinitis. This study examines the effect of the Michell Arch Tape on lower extremity movements that are related to excessive pronation compared to no intervention. It is hypothesized that the arch taping will limit predictors of excessive pronation: knee internal rotation, medial knee displacement, and ankle frontal plane displacement. A randomized controlled trial was conducted. Subjects were selected based on a weight-bearing lunge task to identify subjects with limited ankle dorsiflexion. The Foot Posture Index-6 (FPI-6) was used to identify the amount of static pronation in each subject. Subjects (n=21) were randomized into a treatment (n=13) and control group (n=8). Three-dimensional lower extremity biomechanics were assessed before and after taping during a gait, overhead squat, and lunge task. There was no evidence to suggest that the taping intervention significantly limited predictors of pronation, including ankle eversion, knee internal rotation, and knee valgus, in any of the tasks. The FPI-6 score was not correlated with a reduction in pronation for the taping intervention group. The Michell arch taping technique may or may not be effective in reducing pronation.