Investigation of the Immediate Effects of Kinesiology Taping and Manual Release on Lower-Extremity Performance in Young Adults With Pes Planus

Pes planus is a common postural deformity in young adults characterized by decreased medial longitudinal arch height. Supporting the overstretched plantar fascia, reducing pain by loosening the plantar fascia, and increasing medial longitudinal arch support are the main treatment goals in pes planus. The present study aimed to investigate the immediate effects of kinesiology taping and manual release techniques on lower-extremity performance in young adults with pes planus and to determine whether there is a difference between these two interventions. Forty individuals with pes planus were included in the study. The individuals were randomly divided into two groups: kinesiology taping (n = 20) and manual release (n = 20). Functional mobility was assessed with timed up and go test, balance with functional reach test, gait with 10-m walk test, and muscle endurance with heel raise test. The kinesiology taping group was evaluated at baseline and 45 min after the intervention and the manual release group was evaluated at baseline and after the intervention. Demographic and clinical characteristics of the groups were similar (P > .05). Functional mobility, walking time, and endurance improved significantly in both groups (P < .05), whereas there was no change in balance (P > .05). Improvement in functional mobility was greater in the manual release group than the kinesiology taping group (P < .05). Kinesiology taping and manual release are both immediately effective for endurance, functional mobility, and gait in young adults with pes planus. These interventions can be included in the rehabilitation program of pes planus treatment for more successful results.