Comparison of the Effects of Tear Drop and Subtalar Sling Taping Techniques on Arch Height in Ballet Dancers

Objective: This study aimed to compare the effects of teardrop (TDT) and subtalar sling (SST) taping on the arch height of ballet dancers. Design: Crossed-sectional studyMethods: Intotal, 30 ballet dancers were randomly assigned to the TDT and SST groups. Arch height index (AHI), navicular height (NH), and arch rigidity index in weight-bearing and non-weight-bearing postures were measured before and after taping. Paired and independent t-tests were used for statistical analyses. Results: In the non-weight-bearing (sitting) posture, significant differences in AHI and NH before and after taping were observed in both groups. In the weight-bearing (standing) posture, a significant difference in AHI before and after taping was observed only in the TDT group, but not in the SST group. NH showed significant differences before and after both types of taping. In contrast, ARI showed no significant differences before and after both types of taping. Furthermore,no significant difference in standing posture was observed between both groups. Conclusions: Both TDT and SST effectively supported the arch height of ballet dancers, with TDT providing a slightly better advantage in the weight-bearing posture. However, further research is necessary to evaluate the long-term effects of both taping techniques on ballet training and their roles in injury prevention. Overall, our findings suggest that taping techniques for maintaining arch support play important roles in preventing injuries and maintaining the functional stability of the feet in ballet dancers.