Comparison of the Effects of Subtalar Sling and Tear Drop Taping on Navicular Motion in Ballet Dancers

• Published in: Physical therapy rehabilitation science Vol. 14; no. 2; pp. 266 - 274
• Main Authors: Yoon, Tak Yong, Lee, Yongwoo, Shin, Doochul
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: 물리치료재활과학회 30.06.2025
• Subjects: 물리치료학
• ISSN: 2287-7576; 2287-7584
• DOI: 10.14474/ptrs.2025.14.2.266

Objective: This study aimed to compare the effects of subtalar sling taping (SST) and tear drop taping (TDT) on mediallongitudinal arch height and alignment in ballet dancers as assessed using the navicular drop test (NDT) and navicular drift test(NDrT). Design: Cross-sectional studyMethods: : Thirty female ballet dancers with more than three years of trainingwere randomly assigned to either the SST or TDTgroup (n = 15 per group). Navicular height and medial arch alignment were evaluated before and after taping using NDT (verticaldisplacement) and NDrT (horizontal displacement). After taping, participants walked for 10 minutes after taping before follow-upmeasurements were recorded. Within-group comparisons were conductedusing the Wilcoxon signed-rank test, and between-groupdifferences were analyzed using the Mann–Whitney U test. Results: Taping did not significantly alter navicular height as measured by NDT (SST: p = 0.587; TDT: p = 0.259). However, bothSST and TDT significantly reduced medial navicular drift as measured by NDrT (SST: p = 0.007; TDT: p = 0.002). No significantbetween-group differences were observed in change scores for either test (p > 0.05). Conclusions: Although neither taping method significantly altered medial arch height, both SST and TDT effectively reducednavicular displacement, suggesting improved functional foot stability. These findingsindicate both taping techniques may helplimit excessive pronation in ballet dancers, offering similar biomechanical benefits. Taping may serve as a supportive strategy forenhancing foot alignment during repetitive high-load activities. KCI Citation Count: 0