The effect of low-Dye taping on kinematic, kinetic, and electromyographic variables: a systematic review

A systematic review.

To determine the strength of evidence of the effect of low-Dye taping on lower limb kinematic, kinetic, and electromyographic variables.

Low-Dye taping is a foot-taping technique that aims to limit foot pronation and is commonly used to treat a number of foot disorders.

Systematic review of randomized or quasi-randomized trials examining the effect of low-Dye taping compared with no taping on kinematic, kinetic, and electromyographic variables. Trials were identified by searching CINAHL, EMBASE, MEDLINE, SPORTDiscus, and CENTRAL, and by recursive checking of bibliographies. Data were extracted from published trials and from mail contact with authors for further information as necessary. Meta-analyses were planned for all outcomes using the generic inverse variance method. Sensitivity analyses were planned by pooling data from nonrandomized trials. Statistical heterogeneity was assessed using the quantity I2.

Six trials met inclusion criteria and, of these, 5 trials reported sufficient data on kinematic and kinetic variables to be included in the analysis. Results from the 5 randomized trials were considered robust when pooled with data from 7 nonrandomized trials in a sensitivity analysis. When compared to no taping, low-Dye taping increased navicular height immediately after application (weighted mean difference [WMD], 5.90 mm; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.41 to 11.39; P = .04) and had no effect on navicular height post exercise (WMD, 4.70 mm; 95% CI, -0.61 to 10.01; P = .08), maximum rearfoot eversion while walking (WMD, -0.59 degrees; 95% CI, -2.53 to 1.35; P = .55), and total rearfoot range of motion while walking (WMD, 2.3 degrees; 95% CI, -0.64 to 5.24; P = .13).

Low-Dye taping provides a small change in navicular height post application, although it is unclear whether this change is clinically important. There was high heterogeneity between some trials examining other variables, indicating that more research is needed to confirm the results of previous trials.