Abstract
INTRODUCTION: The effects of Kinesio-taping (KT) and rigid-taping (RT) on vertical jump performance have been investigated; however, remain unclear. The study was designed to compare the effects of KT and RT on vertical jump in individuals with pes planus. METHODS: A total of 74 participants were diagnosed with pes planus. The foot posture index (FPI) was used to determine pes planus. Participants were randomly divided into two groups. Before taping, the vertical jump height and power were measured using a VertiMetric device as baseline data. Jump measurement was repeated after Kinesio-taping (KT) and rigid taping (RT) application to group 1 and group 2 respectively in the first period and after crossing in the second period following a 1-week washout. Crossover and equivalence analyses were used for data analysis. RESULTS: KT and RT showed a statistically significant increase in jump height and power. However, the effect of the RT was higher compared to KT (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: While both taping techniques increased jump height and power, RT was more effective than KT in improving jumping performance in individuals with pes planus, possibly because of its direct supporting function on the MLA. RT may also improve performance in various sports or clinical settings to accelerate recovery after injury or lower the risk of injury caused by poor foot posture.