Effects of Taping on Balance, Agility, and Weight-Bearing Characteristics in Individuals With Subtalar Pronation

Balance was assessed quantitatively using posturography, which is considered the gold standard method in the literature. This method provides quantitative data on balance by measuring the amount of center of pressure sway while the individual is standing. The K-Force® force platform was used for the quantitative evaluation of balance, as it is a valid and reliable measurement device for balance assessment. During the static test, participants were asked to stand still for 30 seconds, and three trials were recorded. During the dynamic test, participants were asked to jump onto the platform from a height of 30 cm. Dynamic balance was evaluated based on the participant's ability to stabilize and recover balance after landing.

Speed and agility were assessed using the 4 × 10 m shuttle run test. Two parallel lines were marked on the floor 10 meters apart. Participants were asked to run back and forth between the lines as fast as possible, crossing each line with both feet and covering a total distance of 40 meters (4 × 10 m). A BlazePod® device was placed at each end, and participants were required to touch the device and return at maximum speed. The test was performed twice, and the best result was recorded.

The T-test consists of four contact points arranged in a T-shape within an area measuring 10 meters in length and 10 meters in width. The aim is for participants to complete a movement sequence between these points in the shortest possible time, requiring changes of direction in different ways. Direction changes are performed by shuffling to the right and left or by running backward. The test includes two 90° turns and one 180° turn, and requires participants to cover a total distance of 40 meters: 10 meters forward, 10 meters to the right, 10 meters to the left, and 10 meters backward.

The measurement was performed in a static position while the participant was standing and bearing full weight on the feet. The Foot Posture Index (FPI) consists of six sub-items, and each item is scored between +2 (clear pronation) and -2 (clear supination); the scores are then summed. The six sub-items include palpation of the talar head, the curves above and below the lateral malleolus, the frontal plane position of the calcaneus, the prominence of the talonavicular joint, the condition of the medial longitudinal arch, and the degree of forefoot abduction or adduction relative to the rearfoot. The total score is used to classify overall foot posture: a score of 0 indicates a neutral posture, positive scores indicate a pronated posture, and negative scores indicate a supinated posture. A score between +6 and +9 indicates pronation, while a score between +10 and +12 indicates excessive pronation.

Weight transfer during quiet standing was assessed using the K-Force® force platform. During the test, participants were asked to stand still for 30 seconds, and the test was repeated three times. Based on the measurements, right-left and anterior-posterior weight transfer were evaluated.