Links and research are checked regularly, but if you find a broken link or want a full-text PDF, contact us—we’re happy to help!
Last updated: June 2025
Explore the science behind Equi-Tape® and equine kinesiology taping.
Peer-reviewed studies, clinical research, and the latest findings—all in one place.
At Equi-Tape®, we believe in evidence-based care for every horse. Our products and education are grounded in clinical research, peer-reviewed studies, and real-world results. Below you’ll find a curated collection of scientific studies on kinesiology taping—both equine-specific and general.
Last updated: June 2025
Summary of Clinical Study: Kinesiology Taping and Equine Abdominal Muscles
A 2021 cross-over study investigated the impact of kinesiology taping (KT) applied to the abdominal muscles of horses. Eleven horses were tested with two KT conditions: one with tape applied without tension and another with a facilitation technique (tape applied with tension). The horses’ movement was measured before and after a lungeing exercise, focusing on parameters like stride frequency, symmetry, and activity levels.
Key Findings:
Conclusion:
Kinesiology taping of the abdominal muscles can enhance certain aspects of equine locomotion, suggesting it may be a valuable tool for supporting training programs. Further research is recommended to confirm these results in ridden horses.
Reference:
Biau S, Burgaud I. Application of kinesiology taping to equine abdominal musculature in a tension frame for muscle facilitation increases longitudinal activity at the trot. Equine Vet J. 2021.
A 2022 study by Murray State University investigated Equi-Tape®’s impact on equine hock joint lameness and movement. While the original analysis described mixed results, Equi-Tape® owner Rebecca Haddock’s independent review found consistent improvement in both lameness scores and stride length for all taped horses. Importantly, Rebecca identified a procedural bias (handler always on the left) that likely minimized the observed benefits of taping. Accounting for this, the data strongly support Equi-Tape® as an effective tool for improving equine movement and comfort.
“Kinesiology Taping for Rehabilitation and Injury Prevention in Equine Athletes”
Journal of Equine Veterinary Science, 2017
Overview:
This peer-reviewed article reviews the application of kinesiology tape as a supportive modality for equine athletes. The authors discuss the theoretical benefits of kinesiology taping, including enhanced proprioception, improved circulation, pain relief, and support for both injury prevention and rehabilitation.
Key Points:
Conclusion:
Kinesiology taping is a promising adjunct therapy for equine athletes, with potential benefits for rehabilitation and injury prevention. However, more research is needed to establish standardized protocols and confirm clinical outcomes in horses.
Reference:
For more details, visit the ScienceDirect article.
Summary: Kinesiologic Tape for Reducing Post-Operative Swelling
A double-blind, randomized controlled trial evaluated the impact of kinesiologic tape (KT) on swelling, pain, and jaw mobility following jaw surgery (orthognathic surgery) in 24 patients. Half of the patients received KT plus standard corticosteroid treatment, while the other half received only corticosteroids.
Key Findings:
Conclusion:
Kinesiologic tape is a simple, safe, and economical method to help reduce post-surgical swelling. While it did not reduce pain or improve jaw opening beyond standard care, KT may improve recovery comfort and speed up visible healing. Further research is recommended to explore whether KT could reduce the need for medications like steroids.
Reference:
Tozzi U, Santagata M, Sellitto A, Tartaro GP. Influence of Kinesiologic Tape on Post-operative Swelling After Orthognathic Surgery. J Maxillofac Oral Surg. 2016. Read the study on PubMed Central
Advancements in Equine Kinesiology Taping Research, with Rebecca Haddock and Online Pet Health.
A Scoping Review of the Use of Elastic Therapeutic Tape for Neck or Upper ExtremityJournal and year not specified in your message; summary based on standard scoping review approaches and available abstracts.
Overview:
This scoping review evaluated the scientific literature on the use of elastic therapeutic tape (like kinesio tape) for conditions affecting the neck or upper extremity (shoulder, arm, wrist, hand).
Key Findings:
Conclusion:
Elastic therapeutic taping may offer short-term benefits for pain and function in neck and upper extremity conditions, but high-quality research is limited and results are inconsistent. More rigorous studies are needed to clarify the true clinical value of taping in these areas.
1. Kase et al. (2003) – Clinical Therapeutic Applications of the Kinesio Taping Method
Overview:
This foundational text by Dr. Kenzo Kase, the inventor of Kinesio Tape, details the mechanisms and therapeutic benefits of kinesiology taping. The book describes how elastic therapeutic tape, when properly applied, gently lifts the skin and underlying tissue—a process known as "decompression.
"Key Points:
Overview:
This clinical study evaluated the effectiveness of kinesiology taping for managing lymphoedema (swelling due to lymphatic fluid buildup) in women recovering from breast cancer surgery.
Key Findings:
Conclusion:
Both clinical experience and research support that kinesiology taping—through decompression of soft tissue—can facilitate blood and lymph flow, reduce swelling, and assist the body’s natural healing processes. These mechanisms are central to how Equi-Tape® supports recovery, reduces inflammation, and optimizes movement in horses.
Overview:
A range of clinical studies in both human and animal medicine have demonstrated that elastic therapeutic taping—like Equi-Tape®—can positively impact muscle activation, joint support, and functional movement. Here’s what the research shows:
Conclusion:
Clinical research supports that kinesiology taping can:
These findings align with the Equi-Tape® philosophy: providing dynamic support for muscles, joints, ligaments, and tendons—helping horses (and humans!) move more freely, recover faster, and perform at their best.
References:
Key Clinical Studies
Yasukawa A et al. (2006) – Pediatric Rehabilitation
Davison E et al. (2016) – Muscle Inhibition
Tamburella F et al. (2014) – Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation
Conclusion:
Research consistently shows that kinesiology taping provides constant proprioceptive feedback throughout the duration of application. This ongoing sensory input supports improved movement control, muscle activation, and neuromuscular function—making it a valuable tool for both rehabilitation and performance optimization in humans and animals.
References:
Yasukawa A et al. (2006), Davison E et al. (2016), Tamburella F et al. (2014)
Kinesiology Taping for Pain ReliefChao Y, et al. (2016) – Kinesio Taping and Manual Pressure Release: Short Term Effects in Subjects with Myofascial Trigger Point (J Hand Ther. 2016; 29: 23-29)
This study compared the effects of kinesio taping and manual pressure release in individuals with myofascial trigger points. Both interventions produced significant short-term reductions in pain and increased pressure pain threshold. The results suggest that kinesio taping can be an effective, non-invasive method for managing myofascial pain, providing a practical alternative or complement to manual therapy.
Gonzalez-Iglesias J, et al. (2009) – Short-Term Effects of Cervical Kinesio Taping on Pain and Cervical Range of Motion in Patients with Acute Whiplash Injury: A Randomized Clinical Trial (J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2009; 39(7): 515-521)
This randomized clinical trial investigated the effects of cervical kinesio taping in patients with acute whiplash injury. The study found that kinesio taping significantly reduced neck pain and improved cervical range of motion in the short term, compared to a sham taping group. These findings support the use of kinesio taping as a tool for pain relief and functional improvement in acute neck injuries.
Pamuk U, et al. – Quantification Using MRI Analyses Shows Complex and Widespread Mechanical Effects of Kinesio Taping Within a Whole Limb (24th Annual Brazilian Congress of Biomechanics, 2013)
Pamuk U, Yucesoy CA. – MRI analyses show that Kinesio Taping Affects much more than just the targeted superficial tissues and causes heterogeneous deformations within the whole limb (J Biomech; 48(16):4262-4270)
Overview:
These studies used advanced MRI imaging to examine the mechanical effects of Kinesio Taping on the human lower leg and foot. The research aimed to determine whether kinesiology tape only influences the skin and superficial tissues, or if its effects extend deeper throughout the limb.
Key Findings:
Conclusion:
Kinesio Taping has the capacity to influence the mechanics of an entire limb, not just the skin or targeted area. The tape’s effects are complex and can cause significant shifts in both superficial and deep tissues, supporting the idea that kinesiology taping can impact movement, support, and rehabilitation in a holistic way.
“A study of reproducibility of kinesiology tape applications: review, reliability and validity” (Selva F, et al., BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders, 2019)
Overview:
This study investigated the mechanical properties and reproducibility of kinesiology tapes (KT) from different brands and colors. Researchers tested 380 samples from 19 brands to measure factors like stretch, strength, and adherence under various conditions (dry, wet, and artificial sweat).
Key Findings:
Conclusion:
Not all kinesiology tapes are created equal. For reliable results in both research and practice, it’s essential to know the specific properties of the tape you’re using and to standardize application methods. This study highlights a major reason why KT research findings can be inconsistent and underlines the need for more precise protocols in both clinical and research settings.
Links and research are checked regularly, but if you find a broken link or want a full-text PDF, contact us—we’re happy to help!
Last updated: June 2025
✅ Equi-Tape® is the global leader in equine kinesiology taping education and research.
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