# Olympic Body Taping Kinesiology Tape Keeps Beijing's Olympians Together By Marissa Brassfield | Published 2008-08-15 | Lifestyle Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/keeping-beijings-olympians-together-kinesiology-tape References: [kinesiotape](http://www.kinesiotape.ca/index.htm) If you’ve been watching the US women’s volleyball team play at the 2008 [Beijing](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/chinese-noodle-kit) Olympics, chances are you’ve noticed the colored athletic tape that many of the [Olympic athletes are wearing](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/eam-usa-limited-capsule). This kinesiology tape stems from the Kinesio Taping method, developed 20 years ago by Kenzo Kase, [D.C.](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/marion-berry-knots) Traditional methods of athletic taping stabilize the muscles but do not permit them to move freely. Kinesio taping lets muscles and joints move, providing support without restricting blood flow. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 6.8/10 - Popularity: 98% | Activity: 98% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/lifestyle) > [Health](https://www.trendhunter.com/health) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Kinesiology Taping:** Kinesiology tape being used as a less restrictive method of taping for athletes to provide support while allowing free movement. - **Alternative Athletic Taping:** Shift away from traditional methods of athletic taping towards more flexible and movement-friendly methods. - **Non-restrictive Support Products:** Development of new products that provide support without restricting movement or blood flow. ### Where This Applies - **Sports Medicine:** Growing demand for new and innovative athletic taping methods and products within the sports medicine industry. - **Physical Therapy:** Opportunity for new and innovative taping methods and products to be used in physical therapy for rehabilitation purposes. - **Fitness Apparel:** Potential for athletic clothing and equipment companies to incorporate new and innovative taping methods and products into their product lines. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Skin-Friendly Turf Tapes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kt-turf-tape.md) - [Reflective Kinesiology Tapes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/rockflash.md) - [Cooling Kinesiology Tapes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kt-tape-pro-ice.md) - [Lavender-Infused Kinesiology Tapes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kt-tape-soothe.md) - [Pregnancy Support Tapes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pregnancy-spider-tape.md) - [Drug-Free Pain Relief Powders](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kt-tape.md) - [Technical Footwear Projects](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hyper-taping.md) - [Handheld Resistance Devices](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/softtissue-injury-prevention-handheld-resistance-device.md) - [Beauty-Backed Sports Teams](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/first-aid-beauty1.md)