Kinesiology Taping Does Not Affect Tarsal Joint Motion During Selected Exercises in Dogs

Background: Use of kinesiology taping has increased in veterinary medicine, yet there are few studies of its effects. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of kinesiology taping of the tarsus on kinetic and kinematic gait characteristics while performing selected exercises in dogs using 3D motion capture and force platform analysis of gait. Methods: Ten clinically normal, healthy, adult mixed-breed dogs were recruited for this study. Reflective markers were applied to the skin of the left and right pelvic limbs if each dog. Eight infrared cameras were positioned around a 13 m platform containing a force platform. Dogs were walked, trotted and led over cavaletti rails with and without kinesiology tape extending from the distal tibia, crossing the cranial surface of the tarsus, and extending to the dorsal surface of the metatarsals. The trial was repeated 2 hours later. Maximum flexion and extension in the sagittal plane, and maximum angular acceleration and velocity were measured at the tarsus and stifle for each dog. Peak vertical (ZPeak), braking (YA) and propulsion (YB) forces were determined as a percent of body weight while walking and trotting. Results: Ground reaction forces were greater at the trot compared to the walk, and stifle and tarsal flexion were greater with stepping over cavaletti rails as compared to walking and trotting. There were no differences in kinematic or kinetic measurements related to the kinesiology tape application, time or exercise being performed. Conclusions: Kinesiology tape had no effect on tarsal joint gait characteristics while walking, trotting, or stepping over cavaletti rails when applied to the dorsal tarsus of normal dogs.