Feasibility of mitigating out-toeing gait using compression tights with inward-directing taping lines
Prabhat Pathak1, Hye Suk Kim2, Hyunji Kim3,4
1John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, United States of America.
Plos One
|September 21, 2023
Summary
New compression tights with inward taping lines effectively reduce out-toeing gait in dancers. This comfortable apparel offers a practical alternative to traditional treatments for improving lower limb biomechanics and reducing injury risk.
Area of Science:
- Biomechanics
- Wearable Technology
- Apparel Engineering
Background:
- Out-toeing gait can alter lower limb biomechanics, increasing overuse injury risk.
- Conventional treatments like surgery and physical therapy are effective but costly and time-consuming.
- Existing wearable devices have limitations, including skin stress or complex components.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop novel compression tights with inward-directing taping lines to facilitate foot inward rotation.
- To overcome the limitations of current interventions for out-toeing gait.
Main Methods:
- Compression tights with and without inward taping lines were designed for South Korean females.
- 12 female dancers with out-toeing gait participated in a comparative study.
- Walking kinematics and user satisfaction were assessed using a pressure-pad treadmill and motion capture system.
Main Results:
- Compression tights with inward taping significantly reduced foot rotation angles by up to 20.1%.
- Statistical parametric mapping showed significant effects of tight type on joint kinematics.
- Participants reported higher perceived functionality and usability for tights with taping lines.
Conclusions:
- Developed comfortable and practical apparel-type wearable for mitigating out-toeing gait.
- Demonstrated short-term efficacy of compression tights with inward taping in improving gait biomechanics.
- Provides a promising, accessible alternative for managing out-toeing gait and associated risks.
