A Physiological and Psychological Basis for Anti-Pronation Taping from a Critical Review of the Literature.

Franettovich M, Chapman A, Blanch P, Vicenzino B

This review explores the mechanical, neurophysiological and psychological hypotheses of anti-pronation taping. The literature provides evidence for support of anti-pronation tape exerting a biomechanical effect. As its name suggests, it does reduce pronation. There is emerging evidence of a neurophysiological effect, which is generally one of reduction in muscle activity, but caution is urged in over-interpreting a few studies on small sample sizes. Further research is required in this paradigm before sports medicine practitioners can utilize these findings in day-to-day clinical practice. Due to insufficient evidence, this article was unable to draw any conclusions as to the psychological effects of the tape, but the article does prompt the need for further exploration into the possible role of placebo in the clinical effects of anti-pronation taping.

Sports Medicine, 2008, 38(8), 617-631

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