Data analysis
Two MLA structure metrics were calculated from the AHI measurements for analysis: standing arch height indexThe multi-segment foot model was implemented using Visual 3D software (C-motion, Germantown, MD USA). The model was based on prior validation workPlantar tissue spreading metrics were extracted from the measured A/P and M/L shear stresses (Fig. Plantar tissue spreading analysis methodology. A/P and M/L shear forces from a representative participant are shown, plotted against time normalized stance phase. Directional shear forces are calculated from stresses multiplied by sensel area and summed by direction (i.e. posterior separate from anterior, medial separate from lateral). Net forces are also shown for reference. The A/P spreading force was extracted at midstance, where the net force crossed zero—this is the location of maximum spreading (i.e. opposing) shear forces. Spreading was quantified by the anterior or posterior (equal to each other) force at this point. The M/L spreading force was extracted as the mean lateral force (which opposes the primary medial force) across stance.The effect of taping condition on each of the seven chosen metrics (5 kinematic, 2 kinetic) was evaluated statistically using repeated measures ANOVAs (α = 0.05). For each ANOVA, Mauchly’s test for sphericity was tested and corrected for if necessary. The Benjamini–Hochberg procedure, with a false discovery rate of 0.1, was used to account for the multiple main effects comparisons. When significant main effects were found, Holm post-hoc tests were run to determine pairwise comparisons. Pairwise effect sizes were also calculated using Cohen’s d, but for brevity only the largest effect size compared to barefoot was presented. In addition, mean kinematic waveforms were plotted for visual descriptive comparisons.