The Effect of Subtalar Joint Antipronation Taping on the Dynamic Knee Valgus in Female Volleyball Players with Low Medial Arch

NCT ID: NCT06752109

Last Updated: 2025-01-30

Basic Information

• Recruitment Status: COMPLETED
• Clinical Phase: NA
• Total Enrollment: 32 participants
• Study Classification: INTERVENTIONAL
• Study Start Date: 2021-08-10
• Study Completion Date: 2022-02-01

Brief Summary

This study aims to investigate the biomechanical mechanisms of dynamic knee valgus and the impact of subtalar pronation, particularly due to decreased medial longitudinal arch, on knee injury risk, highlighting the importance of prevention and intervention strategies for athlete health.

Detailed Description

Dynamic knee valgus is an abnormal movement pattern of the lower extremity, formed by the combination of femoral adduction and internal rotation, tibial abduction and internal rotation, and subtalar pronation, and it is a significant risk factor for knee injuries. The foot and ankle represent the first link in the lower extremity kinetic chain, and a mechanical relationship between subtalar joint motion and tibial rotation triggers internal rotation of the tibia during weight-bearing. This is particularly more pronounced in female athletes, as increased foot pronation and medial longitudinal arch (MLA) drop contribute to dynamic knee valgus. Supporting the MLA has become increasingly important in injury prevention, as there is evidence in the literature showing that interventions to reduce foot pronation decrease dynamic knee valgus and help prevent patellofemoral pain and anterior cruciate ligament injuries.

The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of antipronation taping on dynamic knee valgus and knee flexion angle during functional jump tests in female volleyball players with MLA drop. Innovative taping materials, such as Dynamic Tape, when applied correctly, can support the MLA, reduce tibial rotation, and decrease abnormal movements. While there is existing evidence that MLA-supporting orthotics reduce such injury risks, no studies have specifically examined antipronation taping with Dynamic Tape applied to the subtalar joint. This study seeks to explore modifiable risk factors associated with common knee injuries in female athletes from a foot posture perspective and contribute to athlete health.

Conditions

Anterior Cruciate Ligament Rupture

Study Design

• Allocation Method: RANDOMIZED
• Intervention Model: PARALLEL
• Primary Study Purpose: TREATMENT
• Blinding Strategy: DOUBLE

Study Groups

Intervention

Dynamic Tape

Group Type: EXPERIMENTAL

Antipronation Taping

Intervention Type: OTHER

Before applying the tape, its length was measured by passing it over the areas on the foot where it would be applied. The tape was first attached to the medial side of the big toe, with tension in the direction of flexion and abduction of the toe. The ankle was then positioned in full plantar flexion. The tape was applied from the medial side of the foot towards the heel, wrapping around it, and then directed towards the sole. While the foot was in an inversion position at the navicular level, the tape was applied with maximum tension from medial to lateral and brought back to the sole. The remainder of the tape, with maximum tension, was applied from the sole to the dorsal side of the ankle, ending without tension at the proximal and lateral side of the leg. A second strip of tape, with maximum tension, was applied to support the medial longitudinal arch. The ends of the tape were placed over the malleoli without tension, aiming to reduce excessive pronation.

Control

Sham Group

Group Type: SHAM_COMPARATOR

Sham

Intervention Type: OTHER

In the sham taping application, the length of the tape was measured by passing it over the areas where it would be applied. The tape was applied to the medial side of the big toe, but without tension, simply placed. Then, the tape was directed towards the sole of the foot, passing over the heel. At the navicular level, the tape was applied from medial to lateral, returning to the sole without tension. A second strip of tape was applied to the sole without tension. The ends of the tape were placed over the malleoli without stretching. Since no tension was applied, this application was only placed and has a limited effect on reducing excessive pronation.

Interventions

Antipronation Taping

Before applying the tape, its length was measured by passing it over the areas on the foot where it would be applied. The tape was first attached to the medial side of the big toe, with tension in the direction of flexion and abduction of the toe. The ankle was then positioned in full plantar flexion. The tape was applied from the medial side of the foot towards the heel, wrapping around it, and then directed towards the sole. While the foot was in an inversion position at the navicular level, the tape was applied with maximum tension from medial to lateral and brought back to the sole. The remainder of the tape, with maximum tension, was applied from the sole to the dorsal side of the ankle, ending without tension at the proximal and lateral side of the leg. A second strip of tape, with maximum tension, was applied to support the medial longitudinal arch. The ends of the tape were placed over the malleoli without tension, aiming to reduce excessive pronation.

Intervention Type: OTHER

Sham

In the sham taping application, the length of the tape was measured by passing it over the areas where it would be applied. The tape was applied to the medial side of the big toe, but without tension, simply placed. Then, the tape was directed towards the sole of the foot, passing over the heel. At the navicular level, the tape was applied from medial to lateral, returning to the sole without tension. A second strip of tape was applied to the sole without tension. The ends of the tape were placed over the malleoli without stretching. Since no tension was applied, this application was only placed and has a limited effect on reducing excessive pronation.

Intervention Type: OTHER

Eligibility Criteria

Inclusion Criteria

Actively playing volleyball for at least 5 years, A drop of 10 mm or more in the navicular drop test, A score of ≥ +4 according to the A foot posture index.

Exclusion Criteria

A history of lower extremity injury within the last 3 months, A history of ankle and/or knee surgery, Having non-structural instability, A history of congenital or traumatic deformity in the lower extremity.

• Minimum Eligible Age: 16 Years
• Maximum Eligible Age: 25 Years
• Eligible Sex: FEMALE
• Accepts Healthy Volunteers: No

Sponsors

Ankara Yildirim Beyazıt University

OTHER

Sponsor Role: lead

Responsible Party

Murat Akıncı

Msc

Responsibility Role: PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR

Locations

Ankara Bilkent City Hospital

Ankara, , Turkey (Türkiye)

Countries

Turkey (Türkiye)

Other Identifiers

DTape01

Identifier Type: -

Identifier Source: org_study_id