A Comparison between Kinesio Taping and Medial Arch Support Combined with Exercises in Adult Flatfoot-An Experimental Study

Flatfoot is a commonly observed musculoskeletal disorder in clinical practice. Any deviations from normal foot posture that contributes in reducing medial longitudinal arch can lead to flatfoot that can affect alignment of lower extremity leading to muscle imbalance contributing to musculoskeletal disorders.

To find the effective treatment among kinesio taping and medial arch support combined with exercises in adult flatfoot using Modified Foot Posture Index (MFPI), Navicular Drop Test (NDT) and Visual Analogue Scale (VAS).

A total of 41 young adults from Belagavi city in age ranging from 18–40 years were screened for eligibility criteria (defined by pronated foot type with MFPI ≥6), 30 young adults met the inclusion criteria and were allocated into two treatment groups Kinesio Taping (Group A, n=15) and Medial Arch (Group B, n=15). The outcome measures used were Modified Foot Posture Index (MFPI), Navicular Drop Test and Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). Subjects were assessed for outcome measures before and after intervention. Post intervention data was analysed using SPSS software version 21.0.

This study has shown 0.79% and 0.83% change in Right FPI scores and 5.04% and 1.80% change in Left MFPI scores, 1.98% and 8.11% change in Right NDT scores and 3.23% and 3.92% change in Left NDT scores, 44.16% and 42.43% change in VAS score in Group A and B respectively.

It was concluded that, both Kinesio taping and medial arch support can be used in combination with exercises as an intervention for adult flatfoot.