Effects of Femoral External Rotational and Abductoral Taping on Frequency Content of Ground Reaction Forces during Running

Taping is a common method used by athletes to improve pain. The aim of the present study was to assess the immediate effect of femoral external rotational and abductoral taping on frequency content of ground reaction forces during stance phase of running.
A total of 24 healthy men (age: 24.6 ± 2.5 years) volunteered to participate in the study. Ground reaction force data was recorded using a Kistler force platform (sampling rate: 1000 Hz) before and after hip abductoral and external rotator muscles taping. Paired sample t-test was used for statistical analysis.
Compared to without taping condition, taping significantly increased the frequency content with power 99.5% power (P=0.034) and essential number of harmonics (P=0.007) for vertical ground reaction force during stance phase of running. Taping application did not change frequency content of anterior-posterior and medio-lateral ground reaction forces (P>0.05).
Femoral external rotational and abductoral taping increased the values ​​of frequency content of ground reaction forces in vertical direction, which is a risk factor of injury during running. However, further study is warranted to provide more support.