The impact of therapeutic ankle taping on the lower extremity kinematics of running on level, inclined and declined slopes

Abstract

Overpronation is cited as a common misalignment of the calcaneus resulting from flattening of the medial longitudinal arch, which may contribute to the development of an overuse injury. It has been suggested that taping may control the position and alignment of the calcaneus to correct foot pathologies associated with overpronation. The purpose of this study was to explore the effect of ankle taping with Kinesio Tape® and Leuko Tape P® on the kinematics of the lower extremity while running on level, inclined, and declined slopes. Healthy male and female participants (n = 40) between the ages of 18 and 30 years were recruited. Each participant ran with a Modified Mulligan Calcaneal Leuko Tape P® technique, Foot Pronation Kinesio Tape® technique, and no tape. Lower extremity kinematics at the ankle, knee, and hip at initial contact, during midstance, and at toe off, as well as, spatio-temporal parameters of contact time (CT), stride frequency (SF), and stride length (SL) were analyzed using Contemplas Templo® 3D motion capture system to determine how each type of tape altered the running stride under each condition.