Impact of Achilles Tendon taping on parameters of gait in asymptomatic-overweight and obese individuals

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Does Achilles Tendon taping affect gait parameters in overweight and obese adults? Step length, stride length, and cadence are all shorter in these individuals, with increased fall ratios. OBJECTIVE: To know the effect of Achilles Tendon taping on gait parameters in overweight and obese individuals. METHODS: A clinical trial will be conducted in a physical therapy outpatient clinic. A total of forty participants with a Body Mass Index (BMI) greater than 25 will be recruited by convenience sampling method. Each group will have 20 participants, aged between 18 and 35 years old, overweight with BMI>25 to 29.9, and obese with BMI>30. Both groups will walk for 10 meters and one minute using a gait analyzer and both groups will have taping on the Achilles Tendons. The predictor variable will be the taping of the Achilles Tendon, and the outcome variables will be step length, stride length, and cadence, which will be measured before and immediately after taping. SPSS 20.0 software will be used for statistical analysis with a significance level of p<0.05. PERSPECTIVES: Completion of the clinical trial will provide information on the impact of Achilles Tendon taping on gait in overweight or obese individuals. In addition, it could potentially demonstrate that taping can reduce the risk of falls and thus positively impact the quality of life.