Research and News
Supported Researchers
What to look for at APTA Combined Sections Meeting Feb 8-11
Feb 2nd
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As a Strategic Business Partner of the APTA and Partner in Research for the Foundation for Physical Therapy, Thera-Band® and Biofreeze® products are proud to participate in the largest national meeting for physical therapy next week. The American Physical Therapy Association’s Combined Sections Meeting will take place February 8-11 in Chicago and bring together members from the variety of specialty Sections that make up the APTA.
Thera-Band products will be used in 2 pre-conference workshops on Wednesday, February 8. Director of Thera-Band Academy, Dr. Phil Page will be co-presenting a pre-conference workshop, “Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization and Athletic Performance” with Academy speaker, Clare Frank DPT. Sports PT Section Vice President Rob Manske DPT will be presenting “Test, Don’t Guess; Treat and Assess: The Art and Science Behind the Hands-on Examination and Treatment Strategies for Selected Shoulder and Knee Conditions.”
As usual, the Thera-Band/Biofreeze booth will be in the exhibit hall in Booth 822. Be sure to stop by and try out the new Thera-Band Foam Rollers and Wraps+ and Roller Massager+!
In the research presentations, two Scientific Advisory Board Members will be presenting their TRAC research on Biofreeze and Thera-Band. Todd More >
Biofreeze reduces blood flow faster than ice
Nov 28th
Dr. Robert Topp
The Academy Blog has shared several articles about research on the mechanisms of Biofreeze from Dr. Robert Topp. Recently, he published an article in the Journal of Sports Rehabilitation comparing ice and Biofreeze® gel on blood flow and muscle strength. 17 healthy adults were assessed for blood flow in their radial artery and wrist extension strength after 3 different conditions: ice applied to the forearm, Biofreeze gel applied to the forearm, or a control condition.
The Biofreeze gel significantly reduced blood flow by 42% at 5 minutes after application, which returned to normal at 10 to 15 minutes after application. In contrast, the ice didn’t significantly decrease blood flow until 20 minutes of application at a 48% reduction.
Interestingly, ice caused a slowing of muscle recovery in wrist extension strength after application. This was in contrast to Biofreeze application, which actually increased wrist extension strength by 8%.
Dr. Topp and his colleagues suggest that the menthol in Biofreeze “may affect blood flow through neural mechanisms that respond faster…but are also quickly sensitized.”
In summary, Biofreeze topical analgesic creates a reduction in blood flow at a magnitude similar to ice (about 45%), but does so within the first 5 minutes. Ice takes 20 minutes More >
Listen to TRAC Research Podcasts
Aug 28th
The Academy’s Scientific Advisory Committee, TRAC, presented 26 research projects on Thera-Band and Biofreeze products last month in San Francisco. I recently did a series of podcasts with some of our researchers to discuss their projects and findings. Listen to top researchers such as David Behm, Robert Topp and Todd Ellenbecker describe their methods and conclusions. In the next few weeks on the blog, look for articles on the most clinically relevant studies presented at TRAC to answer these questions:
- Is there a better exercise for trapezius muscle balance?
- Can we use perceived exertion to dose elastic exercise intensity?
- How can we better prescribe shoulder rehab exercise intensity?
- Can high-intensity training improve throwing performance?
- How does Biofreeze compare to ice after delayed onset muscle soreness?
- Is the Stretching Strap as effective as partner stretching?
- How can we reduce shoulder-neck pain and headaches in office workers?
- Can Biofreeze help reduce pain and improve function in knee osteoarthritis?
- Are foam rollers effective at improving flexibility?
- Does Biofreeze reduce hand pain after massage?
- What’s the best progression of exercises after Achilles tendon reconstruction?
Academy Research Agenda released for 2012
Aug 27th
Each year, the Thera-Band Academy and its Scientific Advisory Board, TRAC, establish a research agenda to guide efforts in scientific study on Thera-Band and Biofreeze products. The Academy supports clinical research around the world with no-charge products. The agenda focuses on areas of both clinical and commercial value:
- Qualitative analysis of Thera-Band color-coded progression in terms of motivation, compliance, etc
- EMG and outcomes analysis of progressive balance training with Stability Trainers
- EMG/Biomechanical analysis of FlexBar oscillation
- Effectiveness of hand therapy at home with Thera-Band products
- Effectiveness of Thera-Band stretch strap
- Effectiveness of “active engagement” with Thera-Band or Stretch Strap combined with massage on muscle length
- Effectiveness of eccentric stretch on plantar fasciitis with Stretch Strap or Thera-Band
- Effectiveness of Biofreeze application on joint mobilization
- Effectiveness of Biofreeze on low back pain, neck/shoulder pain, foot pain, and hand pain; with or without massage
Students, clinicians, and researchers are encouraged to submit an application for product support to address the research agenda. For more information, visit the Supported Research page at Thera-BandAcademy.com.
Thera-Band and Biofreeze TRAC Research Presentations
Aug 5th
At the 13th annual TRAC meeting, 16 international researchers and clinical educators from 6 countries presented their original research on Thera-Band and Biofreeze products. The abstracts of their presentations can be viewed on the Academy website. In addition, proceedings of the meeting with the abstracts are available to download in PDF format from the Academy. The 26 research presentations included topics on EMG activation and clinical outcomes with Thera-Band exercises, as well as the effects of Biofreeze on patient populations:
- Muscle activation during squat exercise using the Thera-Band® Exercise Station
- Effect of whole body vibration exercise on muscle activity when using Thera-Band® resistance bands in younger and older adults
- EMG analysis of the triceps surae muscle complex during Achilles tendon rehabilitation program exercises
- EMG activation of gluteal musculature during therapeutic exercises with and without Thera-Band® resistance
- EMG analysis of the upper and lower trapezius during Thera-Band® elastic resistance exercises
- The effects of a home-care exercise kit on pain and disability for the treatment of Plantar Fasciitis
- Effect of concurrent Thera-Band® Stability Trainer exercise with PSRP Shoulder rehab programme vs PSRP alone
- Comparison of Full Can Vs Empty Can in Rotator cuff strengthening
- Perceived self-report of effort during rotator cuff & scapular exercise in patients during shoulder rehabilitation
- Concurrent validation of the More >
