The effect of kinesiology taping on gait variability in healthy dogs.
Authors: Liu Ching-Ming, Lin Syu-Lun, Liu Hsiao-Man, Huntingford Janice L
Journal: Frontiers in veterinary science
Summary
# Editorial Summary: Kinesiology Taping and Canine Gait Variability Kinesiology taping enjoys widespread clinical adoption in equine and human sports medicine, yet evidence supporting its biomechanical effects remains sparse in companion animals despite its growing use in canine rehabilitation. Liu and colleagues addressed this evidence gap by quantifying how kinesiology tape application influences stride-to-stride consistency in a healthy dog population, employing objective gait analysis rather than relying on subjective clinical assessment alone. Their findings provide a foundation for understanding whether the proposed proprioceptive and stabilising mechanisms attributed to kinesiology tape in other species translate meaningfully to canine locomotion. Given that equine practitioners frequently work alongside small animal colleagues and may apply similar taping principles across species, clarifying the biomechanical efficacy of this modality in dogs—particularly regarding gait stability parameters—informs more evidence-based decision-making around its use in multispecies practice. The study underscores the importance of rigorous objective measurement when evaluating interventions that are clinically popular but scientifically understudied.
Read the full abstract on PubMed
Practical Takeaways
- •While this study focuses on dogs, findings may inform understanding of kinesiology taping mechanisms in other quadrupeds including horses
- •Objective gait analysis methods used in canine studies could be adapted for equine rehabilitation assessment
- •Limited direct applicability to equine practice—refer to equine-specific kinesiology taping research for clinical decision-making
Key Findings
- •Kinesiology taping effects on gait variability were evaluated in healthy dogs using objective gait analysis
- •Study provides comparative data on kinesiology taping as a therapeutic modality in canine subjects