title: A biomechanical analysis of the effects of low-Dye taping on arch deformation during gait.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The low-Dye technique serves to limit hindfoot pronation and medial arch collapse. Few studies exist that investigate the effects on medial arch deformation from a biomechanical perspective.
  
  
  METHODS
  Kinematic data was collected using a Motion Analysis System. Foot function of 21 healthy adults was assessed during the stance phase of gait. Subjects were evaluated prior to and immediately following the low-Dye tape application, as well as at 48 h. Foot deformation was assessed during the stance phase of gait using the calcaneus, navicular and 1st metatarsal head markers to calculate the medial longitudinal arch angle (MLA) and the dynamic arch height index (dAHI). Paired t-tests were used to assess low-Dye tape effectiveness.
  
  
  RESULTS
  There was a significant 19.3% reduction in MLA immediately after application of the tape. However only 4.01% reduction remained in deformation after 48 h. The MLA deformation findings were consistent with the AHI change, showing a significant change in the arch deformation between Pre and Post0 low-Dye taping. The effects were short-lived.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  There are measurable changes to medial arch height and amount of arch height deformation during gait following low-Dye taping. Although changes were present immediately after application, results were diminished 48 h after application.
authors.affiliation: Des Moines University, College of Podiatric Medicine and Surgery, IA 50312, United States. robert.yoho@dmu.edu
authors.forename: Robert
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Yoho
authors.forename: Julian J
authors.initials: JJ
authors.lastname: Rivera
authors.forename: Robert
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Renschler
authors.forename: Vassilios G
authors.initials: VG
authors.lastname: Vardaxis
authors.forename: Jeffrey
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Dikis
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D055052:Athletic Tape; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D005260:Female; D005528:Foot / Q000502:physiology*; D005684:Gait / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D013997:Time Factors; D016138:Walking / Q000502:physiology; D055815:Young Adult