Analysis of forefoot/rearfoot segmental coordination pattern during the stance phase of running: acute effects of insoles and taping in women with flat feet

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 Department of Sports Sciences, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Ardakan University, Ardakan, Iran.

2 Department of Sport injuries and corrective Exercises, Faculty of Sport Sciences, Vali-e-Asr University of Rafsanjan, Rafsanjan, Iran

3 Department of Sport Biomechanics, Faculty of Sport sciences, Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman, Kerman, Iran.

4 Dept. of Sport Biomechanics, Faculty of Sport Sciences, Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman, Kerman, Iran.

Abstract
This study aimed to investigate the acute effects of orthotic insoles and taping on the coordination pattern of forefoot and rearfoot segments during the stance phase of running in women with flat feet. Twenty-four female university students (12 with flat feet and 12 healthy controls) were recruited. Kinematic data were collected using a 3D motion capture system, and coordination patterns were analyzed using the Continuous Relative Phase (CRP) method across four subphases of stance. Participants in the flat-foot group were tested under three conditions: baseline, with insoles, and with taping, while the control group was assessed at baseline only. The results revealed significant differences in intersegmental coordination between flat-footed and healthy individuals at baseline (P<0.001). Both interventions (insoles and taping) reduced these differences, with coordination patterns becoming more similar to those of the control group. However, no significant difference was found between the effectiveness of insoles and taping (P>0.05). These findings suggest that both interventions may serve as effective short-term strategies to modify segmental coupling patterns and improve lower limb biomechanics in individuals with flat feet.

Keywords

Subjects

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Volume 18, Issue 47
Spring 2026
Pages 88-70

  • Receive Date 31 August 2025
  • Revise Date 13 October 2025
  • Accept Date 25 February 2026