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Igawa T, Ito R, Takeuchi A, Arai S, Kaga N, Mashimo N, Miyamae R, Urata R, Kubo A. Does elastic taping on soles improve flexibility? A randomized controlled trial with equivalence test design. J Back Musculoskelet Rehabil 2024; 37:427-435. [PMID: 37899054 DOI: 10.3233/bmr-230127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/31/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Elastic taping that applies shear force affects joint movement. However, it remains uncertain whether elastic taping or stretching is more effective in improving flexibility. OBJECTIVE We investigated whether elastic taping for flexibility improvement is comparable to traditional stretching. METHODS In this randomized controlled trial, 64 university students were randomly allocated to two groups: elastic taping on the sole or 30 s of static stretching. The primary outcome measures were the straight leg raising angle, tested with an equivalence margin (± 9.61∘ on changes), and the fingertip-to-floor distance. Secondary outcomes were the hip flexor and knee extensor strength, two-step distance, adverse events, and pain intensity during the intervention, which were compared using conventional statistical methods. RESULTS The mean differences in straight leg raising between the two groups after the interventions were not greater than the equivalence margin (mean [95% CI]: 1.4 [-6.9, 9.5]; equivalence margin, -9.61∘ to 9.61∘). There were no consistent differences between groups in terms of secondary outcomes except for pain intensity during the intervention (p> 0.05). Elastic taping did not induce pain. CONCLUSION Elastic taping augments the flexibility-improving effect comparable to static stretching, based on an equivalence margin. Elastic taping of the sole appears to be an alternative method of improving flexibility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatsuya Igawa
- Department of Physical Therapy, School of Health Science, International University of Health and Welfare, Ohtawara, Japan
- Department of Rehabilitation, International University of Health and Welfare Mita Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
- Department of Rehabilitation, International University of Health and Welfare Hospital, Nasushiobara, Japan
- Department of Physical Therapy, School of Health Science, International University of Health and Welfare, Ohtawara, Japan
| | - Riyaka Ito
- Department of Physical Therapy, School of Health Science, International University of Health and Welfare, Ohtawara, Japan
- Department of Rehabilitation, International University of Health and Welfare Hospital, Nasushiobara, Japan
- Department of Physical Therapy, School of Health Science, International University of Health and Welfare, Ohtawara, Japan
| | - Ayaka Takeuchi
- Department of Physical Therapy, School of Health Science, International University of Health and Welfare, Ohtawara, Japan
- Department of Rehabilitation, International University of Health and Welfare Hospital, Nasushiobara, Japan
| | - Shiori Arai
- Department of Physical Therapy, School of Health Science, International University of Health and Welfare, Ohtawara, Japan
| | - Nanaka Kaga
- Department of Physical Therapy, School of Health Science, International University of Health and Welfare, Ohtawara, Japan
| | - Noa Mashimo
- Department of Physical Therapy, School of Health Science, International University of Health and Welfare, Ohtawara, Japan
| | - Ruka Miyamae
- Department of Physical Therapy, School of Health Science, International University of Health and Welfare, Ohtawara, Japan
| | - Ryunosuke Urata
- Department of Rehabilitation, International University of Health and Welfare Mita Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Akira Kubo
- Department of Physical Therapy, School of Health Science, International University of Health and Welfare, Ohtawara, Japan
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