Augmented low dye taping changes muscle activation patterns and plantar pressure during treadmill running.

STUDY DESIGN

Randomized, crossover study.

OBJECTIVE

To examine changes in muscle activity and plantar pressure during running with the application of augmented low Dye (ALD) taping.

BACKGROUND

ALD taping is used clinically as part of management for lower limb injury. As of yet, no studies have examined the effect of this taping method on muscle activity and plantar pressure during running, simultaneously.

METHODS

Thirteen healthy recreational runners(mean ± SD age, 31.7 ± 4.9 years; height, 181.7 ± 4.6 cm; body mass, 81.6 ± 5.9 kg) completed a 6-minute run on a treadmill at a speed of 10 km·h⁻¹, with 3 different taping conditions (ALD, control tape, no tape), applied in randomized order. Peak and average EMG signal amplitude, onset time, and burst duration were calculated for the vastus medialis, vastus lateralis, and the gluteus medius. In-shoe plantar pressures were also recorded. All data were calculated based on an average of 20 steps collected after 5 minutes of treadmill running.

RESULTS

ALD taping significantly altered muscle activity and plantar pressure during treadmill running by (1) delaying the onset of the EMG signal of the gluteus medius, vastus medialis, and vastus lateralis, and (2) increasing lateral midfoot plantar pressure.

CONCLUSION

ALD taping significantly alters plantar pressure and muscle activation patterns during treadmill running. These findings give insight into the neuromuscular effect of a taping procedure that is used commonly in a clinical setting.