Effects of athletic taping of the fetlock on distal limb mechanics.
Authors: Ramón T, Prades M, Armengou L, Lanovaz J L, Mullineaux D R, Clayton H M
Journal: Equine veterinary journal
Summary
# Editorial Summary: Effects of Athletic Taping of the Fetlock on Distal Limb Mechanics Whilst athletic taping is commonplace in equine practice for soft tissue support and injury prevention, this 2004 study by Ramón and colleagues provides one of the first empirical investigations into whether such taping actually modifies limb mechanics in horses. Six healthy horses were trotted at 3 m/s under four conditions (baseline untaped, pre-exercise taped, post-exercise taped after 30 minutes of trotting, and reassessment 4 hours post-tape removal), with ground reaction forces and kinematic data collected throughout. The taping produced a statistically significant reduction in fetlock flexion during the swing phase—from a mean of 157° to 172° (P<0.05)—and decreased peak vertical ground reaction forces; however, it did not alter fetlock hyperextension during stance or affect kinematics at other joints. The reduction in vertical force loading may operate through enhanced proprioceptive feedback rather than purely mechanical restriction, suggesting potential value in injury prevention strategies, though the authors appropriately conclude that further investigation is warranted before recommending taping for tendinous or ligamentous rehabilitation in clinical patients.
Read the full abstract on PubMed
Practical Takeaways
- •Fetlock taping may reduce load on distal limb during weight-bearing, potentially benefiting injury prevention, though clinical evidence remains limited
- •Taping effects are biomechanical rather than structural—it does not prevent excessive fetlock extension during stance as hypothesized
- •Current evidence is insufficient to recommend taping for tendon or ligament rehabilitation; further clinical trials needed before adopting this practice
Key Findings
- •Athletic taping limited fetlock flexion during swing phase (from 157° to 172°, P<0.05)
- •Taping did not alter forelimb kinematics during stance phase
- •Peak vertical ground reaction force reduced significantly with taping (P<0.05)
- •Proprioceptive effect may explain reduced peak vertical forces despite unchanged stance kinematics