You may have seen a number of athletes competing throughout the Olympics covered in what looks like multi coloured gaffer tape. This is not the latest fashion statement to take the sporting world nor is it a cheap alternative to reattaching severed limbs!

It is in fact a self-adhesive elastic bandage which is designed to provide additional support to weak or injured muscles. It may look basic but it is very effective and allows the athlete a full range of motion, something which other supports or braces cannot.

The American Beach Volleyball competitor Kerry Walsh was one of the first athletes in the Olympics noted to be wearing the tape. In her first match her right shoulder was covered in black tape and was used to support her shoulder which had been operated on in 2007.

The method involves simply taping over and around the weak or injured muscles. The tape allows an increase of blood flow through the muscles and thus aids the movement and reduces the pain which a competitor may be suffering.

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