Effect of dynamic taping on athletic performance and plantar pressure distribution in athletes with low normal and high foot arches

Dynamic taping is a special elastic sports tape used to support muscles and joints while still allowing free movement. Unlike stiff tape, it gives both stability and flexibility, helping athletes move better, reduce injury risk, and improve performance.

The shape of a person’s foot arch — low, normal, or high — affects balance, stability, and how pressure is spread across the foot. Low arches may cause too much inward rolling of the foot, while high arches can lead to poor force distribution and ankle instability.

This study will look at how dynamic taping affects sports performance and foot pressure in athletes with different foot arch types. The tape will be applied to support the main arch of the foot and improve feedback from the muscles and joints. We will measure athletes’ performance and foot pressure before and after applying the tape to see if it improves stability, movement efficiency, and comfort.

OBJECTIVES

1.     To measure athletic performance parameters, including Speed (30 meters sprint test) , Agility (T drill test) , and Jump Height (Wall Touch Method), in athletes with low, high, and normal foot arches after application of Dynamic tape.

2.     To measure athletic performance parameters, including Speed (30 meters sprint test) , Agility (T drill test) , and Jump Height (Wall Touch Method), in athletes with low, high, and normal foot arches without the application of Dynamic tape.

3.     To measure plantar pressure distribution during standing/walking in athletes with low, high, and normal foot after application of Dynamic tape.

4.     To measure plantar pressure distribution during standing/walking in athletes with low, high, and normal foot without the application of Dynamic tape.

Athletes will be recruited from university teams via coaches and screened according to inclusion/exclusion criteria. After the foot arches are classified  using the Navicular Drop Test the athletes will be divided into low, normal, high arches groups. In Session 1, baseline measurements of speed (30 m sprint), agility (T-drill), jump height (Wall Touch Method), and plantar pressure distribution (Zebris Treadmill FDM-T) will be recorded without taping. In Session 2, the same tests will be conducted after applying dynamic tape, preceded by skin preparation, explanation of taping techniques, and an adjustment period for comfort and proper adhesion.