Initial Effects of Dynamic Tape on Foot Arch Height Under Cyclic Loading: A Pilot Study Among University Students.

BACKGROUND

Dynamic tape is one of the options for supporting the foot arch in the management of arch-related disorders. However, its mechanical effects on the foot arch remain unclear, particularly under cyclic loading. This study aims to investigate the initial effects of dynamic taping on maintaining foot arch height under cyclic loading among university students.

METHODS

Thirty-three asymptomatic participants were enrolled in this study. The dynamic tape was applied to the foot with the lower arch to provide support, and the other foot remained untaped as a control. The tape was applied without pre-tension and simply laid straight. Changes in bilateral foot arch height and index were measured using a commercial foot sole morphology assessment device and compared after 6 and 12 min of walking.

RESULTS

The arch height did not decrease significantly after walking for 6 or 12 min in either the taped or untaped foot. However, the arch index of the taped foot increased significantly (from 0.258 ± 0.086 to 0.273 ± 0.085) after 12 min of walking, whereas no significant change was observed in the untaped foot.

CONCLUSIONS

This study is the first to evaluate the initial effect of dynamic tape applied without pre-tension on foot arch support by directly measuring sole morphology using a pin-array impression device. The results indicate that dynamic tape without pre-tension does not effectively prevent the immediate reduction in foot arch height after application. Further research is needed to determine the optimal balance between pre-tension and therapeutic efficacy.