Kinesiology Tape Research | Equi-Tape® Science & Studies

“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:

• Mechanism of Action: Kinesiology tape is designed to mimic the elasticity of skin, allowing it to lift the hair and skin slightly. This is believed to facilitate lymphatic drainage and increase blood flow to the taped area.
• Potential Benefits: In horses, kinesiology taping may help reduce inflammation, support injured muscles and joints, and improve movement patterns without restricting range of motion.
• Clinical Evidence: While kinesiology taping is widely used in equine practice, the article notes that scientific research in horses is still limited. Most evidence is anecdotal or extrapolated from human studies.
• Recommendations: The authors recommend further controlled studies in horses to validate the efficacy of kinesiology taping for specific injuries and performance enhancement.

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:

• Swelling Reduction: Patients treated with KT had significantly less swelling four days after surgery compared to controls (average swelling increase: 5.76 cm² with KT vs. 9.45 cm² without; p < 0.01).
• Pain and Jaw Mobility: No significant differences in pain or mouth opening between groups, likely because both groups received similar pain management.
• Patient Satisfaction: Those with KT reported higher satisfaction, likely due to faster reduction in swelling and perceived comfort.
• Safety: KT was well-tolerated with no adverse reactions.

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.

Kinesiology Taping: Decompression, Blood Flow, and Lymphatic Support

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:

• Decompression Effect: The tape’s elasticity creates a lifting action on the skin and fascia, forming microscopic “channels” that reduce pressure on underlying tissues.
• Blood & Lymph Flow: This decompression effect improves local blood circulation and enhances lymphatic drainage.
• Physiological Benefits: Improved flow supports faster removal of metabolic waste, reduces swelling, bruising, and inflammation, and promotes a quicker healing response.
• Pain Relief: By reducing pressure and irritation on nerve endings, taping can also help decrease pain.

2. Lipinska A, et al. (2007) – The Influence of Kinesiotape Application on Lymphoedema of an Upper Limb in Women After Mastectomy

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:

• Lymphatic Drainage: Kinesio taping significantly reduced upper limb swelling compared to standard care.
• Mechanism: The tape’s lifting action facilitated lymph flow from congested areas, promoting natural drainage.
• Patient Comfort: Taping was well-tolerated and improved quality of life for participants.

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.

Kinesiology Taping: Facilitating Movement and Supporting Musculoskeletal Health

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:

Key Research Findings

• Muscle Activation & Function
• Joint, Ligament, and Tendon Support
• Functional Movement & Rehabilitation

Conclusion:
Clinical research supports that kinesiology taping can:

• Facilitate muscle activation or inhibition as needed
• Support joint stability and function
• Enhance movement quality and range of motion
• Assist with pain management and rehabilitation

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:

• Christou EA et al. (1995), Ibrahim M. (2015), Thelen M. et al. (2008), Davison E. et al. (2016), Slupik A. et al. (2007), Yasukawa A. et al. (2006)

Key Clinical Studies
Yasukawa A et al. (2006) – Pediatric Rehabilitation

• Study: Pilot study on children in acute rehabilitation.
• Findings: Kinesio Taping improved functional movement and participation in therapy. The tape’s constant sensory input was thought to help children better sense and control their movements, supporting the recovery process.

Davison E et al. (2016) – Muscle Inhibition

• Study: Examined the effect of Kinesio Taping on the gastrocnemius (calf) muscle.
• Findings: The tape provided ongoing proprioceptive cues, which helped modulate muscle activation and could inhibit overactive muscles. This suggests taping can support neuromuscular re-education and balanced movement patterns.

Tamburella F et al. (2014) – Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation

• Study: Investigated Kinesio Taping in individuals with chronic spinal cord injury.
• Findings: Taping improved somatosensory input, leading to reduced spasticity, better balance, and improved gait. The continuous feedback from the tape helped compensate for impaired sensory pathways.

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:

• MRI analyses revealed that Kinesio Taping produces complex, three-dimensional mechanical effects that are not limited to the skin or surface tissues.
• Application of the tape caused measurable deformations and tissue shifts throughout the entire limb, including deep muscles and connective tissues.
• The effects were heterogeneous, meaning that tissue movement and deformation varied widely depending on location, depth, and anatomical structure.
• These widespread mechanical changes were observed both under the area where the tape was applied and in regions distant from the application site.

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:

• There were significant differences in mechanical properties—such as maximum force, tenacity, work, pre-elongation, and percentage elongation—between brands and colors of kinesiology tape.
• Adherence (how strongly the tape sticks) also varied significantly between brands, and was affected by moisture and sweat.
• Because of these differences, the same application method (e.g., stretching tape to a certain percentage) can produce very different effects depending on the tape brand and even color.
• The lack of standardized data on tape properties limits the reproducibility and reliability of clinical studies using KT. This means that results from one study or application may not be directly transferable to another unless the exact same tape and methods are used.
• The authors recommend that future clinical studies specify the tape’s mechanical properties and application details to improve reproducibility and comparability of results.

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.

Horse vs. Human Skin – Sensitivity and Taping Implications

• Equivalence in Sensitivity: A 2020 comparative study found no significant difference in epidermal nerve counts between horses and humans, and similar thickness of the pain-detecting epidermal layer (horses: 31.6 µm; humans: 26.8 µm).
  [Source: PubMed 2020]
• Thicker Dermis in Horses: Horse skin appears thicker overall due to a much thicker dermis, but this does not affect cutaneous pain sensitivity. [PubMed 2020]
• Richer Receptor Density: Horses are described as "very sensitive at the cutaneous level" and may be up to 10x more sensitive than humans due to denser mechanoreceptor presence. [Equine Dermatology, 2019]
• Practical Implication: The tape rarely touches horse skin directly—most applications interact with the hair coat, reducing risk of irritation, blisters, or rashes seen in humans. Only one report in years of field research noted a horse immediately removing tape due to irritation.

Clinical Recommendation: Monitor for irritation even when tape does not contact skin; use appropriate tension (≤30%), and consider individual horse sensitivity. [Clinical Veterinary Advisor, 2021]

References:- PubMed 2020: Comparative Study of Equine and Human Skin Sensitivity- Equine Dermatology, 2019- Equine Vet J, 2018- Vet Dermatology, 2022- J Anat, 2020- Equine Vet Educ, 2021- Equine Neuroscience, 2023- Biau & Burgaud, 2022- Tiziana et al., 2024- Sozo Equine, 2025- University of Minnesota, 2022- Journal of Clinical Medicine, 2022- Lymph Drainage Systematic Review, 2025- Tsai et al., 2022- VetkinTape White Paper, 2023- Meta-analysis, 2024