Research and News
Thera-Band Elastic Resistance
Thera-Band® exercises improve kyphotic posture in women
Jul 22nd
It’s generally accepted that our posture declines as we age. Researchers at the University of Kansas Department of Physical Therapy examined the natural progression of thoracic kyphosis in healthy women. They found that kyphosis increases in females with age, particularly between 50 and 59 years of age. The researchers then established an exercise program for healthy women aged 50-59. For one year, 81 women were asked to perform spinal extension exercises including elastic band resistance (Click here to download the Spinal Extension Exercise protocol) 3 times per week. Cervical and thoracic spinal curves were measured before and after the program.
After 1 year, the researchers determined which women were compliant or non-compliant. The remaining women who had performed exercise irregularly were excluded (46 women) from analysis, leaving a total of 35 women in the analysis. The researchers found that those women who did not perform the exercises had a greater progression of poor posture, particularly increasing in thoracic kyphosis.
The researchers noted that these results are only applicable to relatively healthy women without spinal abnormalities. In addition, they suggested that women with symptomatic spinal stenosis should not perform these exercises. While these results are encouraging, poor compliance was an issue: only 18% consistently performed the exercises. More >
Functional rehabilitation of chronic ankle instability effective
Jul 12th
It’s been reported that athletes suffering an ankle sprains re-injure their ankle 70% to 80% of the time. This leads to chronic ankle instability or ‘functional ankle instability’. Rehabilitation for chronic ankle sprains often includes functional exercises including dynamic closed-chain activities. Thera-Band® products such as elastic resistance bands, stability trainers and balance boards are used for functional rehabilitation.
Researchers at the University of Toledo performed a systematic review of functional exercise interventions for their effectiveness. They identified 6 studies that met their criteria for the review, including 4 that used balance boards and elastic resistance strengthening. The researchers concluded that functional rehabilitation improves dynamic balance and self-reported function in patients with chronic ankle sprains. The exercise programs from the reviewed studies generally lasted 4 to 6 weeks and were performed 3 to 5 times a week. Finally, they pointed out that wobble board training in rehabilitation programs is “supported by the literature”; therefore, Thera-Band balance boards should be a standard component of chronic ankle instability rehabilitation program.
REFERENCE Webster KA, Gribble PA. Functional rehabilitation interventions for chronic ankle instability: a systematic review. J Sport Rehabil. 2010 Feb;19(1):98-114.
Visit the Thera-Band Academy Ankle Sprain resource center here
Thera-Band® exercises safe and effective for patients with hemophilia and bleeding disorders
Jun 29th
Bleeding disorders such as hemophilia may cause bleeding in the joints, known as ‘hemarthrosis.’ This may lead to arthritis and subsequent joint replacement surgery. Exercise is an important component in managing hemarthrosis; however, many patients are hesitant to exercise for fear of injury and resulting bleeding. Few studies have examined the effectiveness of exercise in hemophilia patients.
Previously, German researchers created a strength and proprioceptive training program using Thera-Band elastic resistance and Stability Trainers. The results, published in 2003 noted improvements in strength and proprioception. The authors felt that a balance training component was important to prevent fall-related injuries in persons with hemophilia.
More recently, researchers at the University of Tennessee Health Sciences Center created an individualized 6-week program using Thera-Band resistance in 33 patients with bleeding disorders. They used 3 levels of progression based the participant’s strength. Download the Thera-Band exercise protocol here. The patients then used a specific color of Thera-Band resistance corresponding to the prescribed intensity (% of an isometric manual muscle test). Subjects also performed stretching and cardiovascular exercise. A physical therapist supervised the program 2 days a week. At the end of the 6-week program, there were no injuries, pain, edema, or bleeding episodes reported. The patients significantly More >
Elastic resistance exercise program effective in high school-based exercises for teens
Jun 22nd
Elastic tubing has been proven as effective as free weights again; this time, in teenagers. Several studies have shown that Thera-Band® elastic resistance has similar effects on muscle activation and strength as isotonic resistance (Andersen et al. 2010; Colado & Triplett 2008). Current physical activity guidelines recommend resistance training to improve muscular fitness in youths. A randomized, controlled study in Preventive Medicine by Australian researchers was performed to compare the effects of a resistance exercise program in 15 year old boys and girls using either elastic or isotonic free weight resistance compared to a control group. During the 8-week program, both groups trained twice a week with a PE teacher with a 1:15 instructor-to-participant ratio. They began each session with 5 minutes of aerobic activity and dynamic stretching. Resistance exercises were performed for 2 sets of 8 to 12 reps (Weeks 1-4 = 10-12 reps; Weeks 5-8 = 8-10 reps) with 60 second rests between sets. The 10 strengthening exercises were performed in 40-50 minutes in the same order. Both groups used the Borg scale at 15-18 with an 8-12RM; in other words, participants used a resistance with each exercise that caused fatigue with the last repetition with an exertion level of 15-18 More >
Thera-Band® exercise program for total knee replacement featured in Lower Extremity Review
Jun 15th
Ongoing research at the University of Louisville and Bellarmine University is investigating the effectiveness of Thera-Band® resistance band exercises before surgery for total knee arthroplasty (TKA). “Prehabilitation” consists of pre-operative exercises that are meant to improve strength and functional levels before surgery with the expectation of better rehabilitation and a faster recovery after surgery.
The TKA Prehab Program was recently featured in an article in the March 2010 edition of Lower Extremity Review. The program utilizes Thera-Band resistance bands, step-up exercises, and stretching exercises. A full-color printable handout of the program is available online.
Reference: Brown K et al. 2010. Preoperative exercise boosts TKA outcomes. Lower Extremity Review: March 2010.
Visit the Thera-Band Academy Total Knee Replacement Center Here
