Effect of Calcaneal Taping on Peak Plantar Pressure of Forefoot and Rearfoot during Gait

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of calcaneal taping on peak plantar pressure of rearfoot and forefoot while walking. Methods: Fifteen healthy subjects with normal feet participated in this study. Inclusion criteria were as follows: (1) no disturbance of gait and foot pain, (2) normal range of motion of ankle joint, (3) no foot deformity. Pedoscan was used for recording of plantar pressure data during walking. The participants walked along a 12-m walkway before and after application of calcaneal taping. The plantar pressure gait was measured 3 times under barefoot and calcaneal taping conditions randomly at a speed practiced with the metronome during gait. The peak plantar pressure data were calculated for medial and lateral areas of the rearfoot and forefoot. The paired t-test was used to determine significant differences in peak plantar pressure of rearfoot and forefoot before and after application of calcaneal taping. A p-value less than 0.05 was accepted as significant. Results: The calcaneal taping resulted in statistically significant decreases in peak plantar pressure of the rearfoot (medial side: p= 0.03; lateral side: p= 0.01). However, there were no significant changes in peak plantar pressure of the forefoot (medial side: p= 0.45; lateral side: p= 0.40). Conclusion: The calcaneal taping is recommended to reduce plantar pressure of the rearfoot in weight-bearing activities in subjects with plantar heel pain caused by atrophy of the fat pad.