Effectiveness of neuromuscular taping on pronated foot posture and walking plantar pressures in amateur runners

ObjectivesTo determine the effect kinesiotaping (KT) versus sham kinesiotaping (sham KT) in the repositioning of pronated feet after a short running.DesignProspective, randomised, double-blinded, using a repeated-measures design with no cross-over.Methods116 amateur runners were screened by assessing the post-run (45 min duration) foot posture to identify pronated foot types (defined by Foot Posture Index [FPI] score of ≥6). Seventy-three runners met the inclusion criteria and were allocated into two treatment groups, KT (n = 49) and sham KT (n = 24). After applying either the KT or sham KT and completing 45 min of running (mean speed of 12 km/h), outcome measures were collected (FPI and walking Pedobarography).ResultsFPI was reduced in both groups, more so in the KT group (mean FPI between group difference = 0.9, CI 0.1–1.9), with a score closer to neutral. There were statistically significant differences between KT and sham KT (p < .05 and p < .01) in pressure time integral, suggesting that sham KT had a greater effect.ConclusionsKT may be of some assistant to clinicians in correction of pronated foot posture in a short-term. There was no effect of KT, however on pressure variables at heel strike or toe-off following a short duration of running, the sham KT technique had a greater effect.Level of evidenceTherapy, level 1b.