But competitors who are cupping may be profiting instead from the placebo effect: nothing is happening to their muscular capacity, but their enhanced confidence allows them to train and perform more effectively, while also de-motivating their opponents. A back mottled with red puckers can spook competitors, reckons Chris Beedie, a sports scientist at Canterbury Christ Church University. The message? “I’m getting this extra help, and you’re not.”

Placebo Effect is strong enough to make someone have the confidence to win? Cool.