Does elastic taping on soles improve flexibility? A randomized controlled trial with equivalence test design

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Igawa, Tatsuya^{a; b; c; 1; *} | Ito, Riyaka^{a; c; 1} | Takeuchi, Ayaka^{a; c} | Arai, Shiori^a | Kaga, Nanaka^a | Mashimo, Noa^a | Miyamae, Ruka^a | Urata, Ryunosuke^b | Kubo, Akira^a

Affiliations: [a] Department of Physical Therapy, School of Health Science, International University of Health and Welfare, Ohtawara, Japan | [b] Department of Rehabilitation, International University of Health and Welfare Mita Hospital, Tokyo, Japan | [c] Department of Rehabilitation, International University of Health and Welfare Hospital, Nasushiobara, Japan

Correspondence: [*] Corresponding author: Tatsuya Igawa, Department of Physical Therapy, School of Health Science, International University of Health and Welfare, 2600-1, Kitakanemaru, Ohtawara, Tochigi, 323-8501, Japan. E-mail: igatatsu.7@gmail.com.

Note: [1] Tatsuya Igawa and Riyaka Ito contributed equally to this work.

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Elastic taping that applies shear force affects joint movement. However, it remains uncertain whether elastic taping or stretching is more effective in improving flexibility. OBJECTIVE: We investigated whether elastic taping for flexibility improvement is comparable to traditional stretching. METHODS: In this randomized controlled trial, 64 university students were randomly allocated to two groups: elastic taping on the sole or 30 s of static stretching. The primary outcome measures were the straight leg raising angle, tested with an equivalence margin (± 9.61∘ on changes), and the fingertip-to-floor distance. Secondary outcomes were the hip flexor and knee extensor strength, two-step distance, adverse events, and pain intensity during the intervention, which were compared using conventional statistical methods. RESULTS: The mean differences in straight leg raising between the two groups after the interventions were not greater than the equivalence margin (mean [95% CI]: 1.4 [-6.9, 9.5]; equivalence margin, -9.61∘ to 9.61∘). There were no consistent differences between groups in terms of secondary outcomes except for pain intensity during the intervention (p> 0.05). Elastic taping did not induce pain. CONCLUSION: Elastic taping augments the flexibility-improving effect comparable to static stretching, based on an equivalence margin. Elastic taping of the sole appears to be an alternative method of improving flexibility.

Keywords: Athletic tape, Muscle stretching exercises, Range of motion, articula, Randomized controlled trials as topic

DOI: 10.3233/BMR-230127

Journal: Journal of Back and Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation, vol. 37, no. 2, pp. 427-435, 2024