The Immediate Effects of External Kinesio-tape Wrapping for Inner Arch Support on the Lower Leg EMG for Gait in Stiletto Heels

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to analyze the effects of using external kinesiotape wrapping for inner arch support on the lower extremity EMG for gait in stiletto heels. Methods: Subjects for this study were two female college students who had been wearing stiletto heels almost every day of the week for more than three years. The independent variable was the presence or absence of kinesio-tape wrap for inner arch support. Dependent variables were EMG readings for the four muscle groups: the medial and lateral gastrocnemius, the tibialis anterior, and the peroneus longus. EMG readings were taken using the NORAXON (USA). The Paired t-test within the subject repeated measure design for the presence and absence of inner arch support (p<0.05) was used via SPSS 18.0. Results: With kinesio-tape wrap for inner arch support, there was a statistically significant decrease in the muscle force mean values for the peroneus longus and the medial and lateral gastrocnemius, in the maximum muscle forces of the peroneus longus and the lateral gastrocnemius. Conclusion: External kinesio-tape wrapping for inner arch support in stiletto heels could have an effect to reduce peroneus longus, and medial/lateral gastrocnemius activities that could result in decreased fatigue and discomfort.