Objective: The purpose of this study was to identify the effects of taping therapy and inner arch support on pes planus lower extremity alignment and gait.
Method: The study was conducted on 13 women in their 20s who had pes planus and no gait problems. Independent variables were the condition of wearing basic socks (S1) and the condition of wearing socks with taping therapy and inner arch support (S2). The dependent variables were resting calcaneal stance position (RCSP), plantar pressure distribution during gait, and underlying and medial longitudinal arch angle measured using radiography. Statistical analysis was performed using the Wilcoxon test with SPSS 23.0 for comparison of S1 and S2.
Results: In the RCSP measurement, the angle range of S2 changed to normal. Meary`s angle appeared to be less than the angle of S1, indicating alleviation of the degree of pes planus. The calcaneal pitch angle increased at S2 from that at S1. The plantar pressure distribution was divided into four areas (toe, forefoot, midfoot, and hindfoot). At S2, the maximum pressure increased in the toe and midfoot. The maximum force increased significantly in the toe and midfoot but decreased significantly in the forefoot and hindfoot. In addition, the contact area increased overall especially at the midfoot and hindfoot.
Contact time decreased in the toe and forefoot, but increased in the midfoot and hindfoot. Conclusion: Taping therapy and inner arch support showed structural improvement of the pes planus. In addition, the force and pressure applied to the foot during walking are distributed evenly in the area of the sole, thus positively affecting walking.