Rio 2016: Michael Phelps' cupping compared to doping by Russian TV news anchor

Cupping 'not unlike' banned performance drugs, according to Russian TV anchor

Russian TV has likened cupping therapy to the prohibited performance drug meldonium.

Favoured by many in the US Olympic team in 2016, including swimmer Michael Phelps, the traditional Chinese medicinal practice is thought to help the body recover from injury.

Since Mr Phelps seized his 19th gold medal on Sunday, interest in cupping has spiked.

The practice has also been used by the track and field US teams.

Yet, although there has been a revival of the ancient therapy, there is scant evidence to suggest cupping has any effect on an athlete’s performance.

The therapy, which uses suction cups that leave behind distinctive circular shapes on the skin, is legal under International Olympic Committee (IOC) rules.

Speaking after Mr Phelps stormed to victory, an anchor on a Russian TV show said the effect of the cupping “is not unlike” the banned performance drug, meldonium.

"Following the Hollywood trend, the method was adapted by athletes,” he said, according to a translation by Mashable.

“According to them, vacuum-based massage improves circulation and overall well being, suggesting that muscle repair happens faster after physical exertion.

"In other words, the net effect from such practices in many ways, is not unlike those of meldonium."

David Colquhoun, professor of pharmacology at University College London has told The Independent: “There’s no science behind [cupping] whatsoever... how could it possibly do anything? It’s nonsense."

When asked if cupping therapy gave athletes an advantage over their opponents, Mr Colquhoun said: “Not at all. If anything they’ll have a slight disadvantage because they’re wasting time getting cupped.”

The drug meldonium, which enhances blood flow and improves exercise capacity, entered The World Anti-Doping Agency’s (Wada) banned list in 2015 after the agency discovered evidence it was being abused by athletes.

Russian tennis star Maria Sharapova received a two-year ban after she tested positive for the pharmaceutical.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has said meldonium should not be a banned substance. “It doesn’t influence the result. That’s totally certain. It just keeps the heart muscles in good condition under high load," he said.

Wada had recommended a blanket ban for all Russian competitors in the games after an independent report found evidence of state sponsored doping across the “vast majority” of Olympic sports.

But most of the Russian sports teams have now been cleared to compete in the Rio games.

In contrast, all athletes from Russia have been barred from the Paralympic games.

Russian swimmer Yulia Efimova was booed during the preliminary heat of the 100 meter breaststroke on Sunday. Previously banned for doping, Ms Efimova was eventually allowed to compete and claimed silver.

Lilly King took aim at Ms Efimova, saying “I’m just happy for the USA to know I am competing clean and doing what is right.”

The cupping fan, Mr Phelps, was also critical of the Russian athlete. “I think it’s sad that we have people in sports today who are testing positive not only once, but twice, and still having the opportunity to swim at these Games," he said.