The Effect of Subtalar Joint Antipronation Taping on the Dynamic Knee Valgus in Female Volleyball Players with Low Medial Arch

Not Applicable

Completed

• Conditions: Anterior Cruciate Ligament Rupture

• Registration Number: NCT06752109
• Lead Sponsor: Ankara Yildirim Beyazıt University

Brief Summary

This study aims to investigate the biomechanical mechanisms of dynamic knee valgus and the impact of subtalar pronation, particularly due to decreased medial longitudinal arch, on knee injury risk, highlighting the importance of prevention and intervention strategies for athlete health.

Detailed Description

Dynamic knee valgus is an abnormal movement pattern of the lower extremity, formed by the combination of femoral adduction and internal rotation, tibial abduction and internal rotation, and subtalar pronation, and it is a significant risk factor for knee injuries. The foot and ankle represent the first link in the lower extremity kinetic chain, and a mechanical relationship between subtalar joint motion and tibial rotation triggers internal rotation of the tibia during weight-bearing. This is particularly more pronounced in female athletes, as increased foot pronation and medial longitudinal arch (MLA) drop contribute to dynamic knee valgus. Supporting the MLA has become increasingly important in injury prevention, as there is evidence in the literature showing that interventions to reduce foot pronation decrease dynamic knee valgus and help prevent patellofemoral pain and anterior cruciate ligament injuries.

The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of antipronation taping on dynamic knee valgus and knee flexion angle during functional jump tests in female volleyball players with MLA drop. Innovative taping materials, such as Dynamic Tape, when applied correctly, can support the MLA, reduce tibial rotation, and decrease abnormal movements. While there is existing evidence that MLA-supporting orthotics reduce such injury risks, no studies have specifically examined antipronation taping with Dynamic Tape applied to the subtalar joint. This study seeks to explore modifiable risk factors associated with common knee injuries in female athletes from a foot posture perspective and contribute to athlete health.

Study Timeline

• Study Start: 2021-08-10
• Primary Completion: 2021-11-01
• Study Completion: 2022-02-01
• Status Verified: 2024-12
• Study First Submitted: 2024-12-17
• Study First Submitted QC: 2024-12-20
• Study First Posted: 2024-12-30
• Last Update Submitted: 2025-01-28
• Last Update Posted: 2025-01-30

Recruitment & Eligibility

• Status: COMPLETED
• Sex: Female
• Target Recruitment: 32

Inclusion Criteria

Actively playing volleyball for at least 5 years, A drop of 10 mm or more in the navicular drop test, A score of ≥ +4 according to the A foot posture index.

Exclusion Criteria

A history of lower extremity injury within the last 3 months, A history of ankle and/or knee surgery, Having non-structural instability, A history of congenital or traumatic deformity in the lower extremity.

Study & Design

• Study Type: INTERVENTIONAL
• Study Design: PARALLEL

Primary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Single Leg Squat Test	Pre-taping and within 1 hour after taping	In this test, athletes were instructed to perform a single-leg squat with their hands on their waist, maintaining balance for as long as possible, preferably for 5 seconds. Only trials that reached the required minimum flexion angle and maintained balance were considered valid. Three valid attempts were performed. During the tests, video recordings were made from both the front and the side. The footage was analyzed using the Microsoft OptoJump® Next program with a 2D analysis method to measure knee flexion and valgus angles.
Single Leg Landing Test	Pre-taping and within 1 hour after taping	For this test, each athlete was asked to step off a 30 cm high box and extend the measurement leg forward to drop downward. The maximum knee valgus and flexion angles at the end of the drop were measured using two camera recordings, one from the front and one from the side.; During the tests, video recordings were made from both the front and the side. The footage was analyzed using the Microsoft OptoJump® Next program with a 2D analysis method to measure knee flexion and valgus angles.
Vertical Drop Jump Test	Pre-taping and within 1 hour after taping	In this test, athletes were instructed to stand with their feet shoulder-width apart on a 30 cm high box. They were then asked to jump into the square area in front of the box and immediately jump as far as possible using their arms for assistance. The test was completed once the athlete had made three successful jumps. The average of the three jumps was recorded.; During the tests, video recordings were made from both the front and the side. The footage was analyzed using the Microsoft OptoJump® Next program with a 2D analysis method to measure knee flexion and valgus angles.

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

Ankara Bilkent City Hospital; 🇹🇷 Ankara, Turkey