The effect of low-Dye taping on peak plantar pressures of normal feet during gait

This study investigated whether low-Dye anti-pronation taping altered peak plantar pressures of normal feet during gait. The Emed-AT-2 platform system was used to measure peak plantar pressures. Forty subjects performed two sets of six walks over the Emed-AT-2 forceplate. One set of walks was performed barefoot whilst the other set was performed with the low-Dye tape applied to the right foot. Computer software divided the heel, midfoot and forefoot into six areas (masks) for analysis. The mean for the peak plantar pressures (N/cm²) of each of these masks was determined for both sets of walks. Paired t-tests found a significant difference between the barefoot and taped peak plantar pressures in each of the six masks. Overall, low-Dye anti-pronation taping significantly altered the peak plantar pressures of normal feet during gait. Of particular interest was that a significant reduction in mean peak plantar pressure was observed in the medial midfoot (1.4 N/cm²) whilst a significant increase occurred in the lateral midfoot (2.6 N/cm²).