Research and News
Archive for April, 2009
Upper Extremity Plyometrics for Tennis Players
Apr 16th
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Application of Upper Extremity Plyometrics for Rehabilitation and Performance Enhancement in Elite Tennis Players
by Todd Ellenbecker, DPT, MS, CSCS, OCS, CSCS
Thera-Band Soft Weight 90-90 Plyometrics
High level tennis play requires repetitive activation of the rotator cuff and scapular musculature to stabilize, accelerate, and decelerate the glenohumeral joint to prevent injury and allow for optimal performance. The modern game of tennis is highly dominated by serves and forehands. Some estimates report that 75% of all shots by elite level players are forehands and serves. Serves and forehands are characterized by powerful concentric internal rotation of the shoulder. Research performed on elite level tennis players with isokinetic testing has shown muscular imbalances due to selective development of the internal rotator muscles without concomitant development of the external rotators on the dominant “tennis playing” extremity. Additionally, research has not shown increases in posterior rotator cuff or scapular muscle strength following tennis play alone in elite players indicating the need for supplemental strengthening of the posterior rotator cuff and scapular musculature to improve muscle balance in the dominant shoulder of the elite tennis player. Exercises to improve muscle balance More >
New Lower Body Stretches for Tennis Players
Apr 16th
Application of Controlled Movement and Proprioceptive Challenge to Lower Body Stretching for Elite Tennis Players
By Michal Novotny PT and Todd Ellenbecker DPT, MS, SCS, OCS, CSCS
Injuries to the lower extremities in elite tennis players are prevalent due to the multidirectional movements inherent in tennis play coupled with the repetitive loading and often extreme ranges of motion incurred in some tennis strokes. Tennis is unique in that it is played on many surfaces with very different coefficient of friction and traction demanding different responses at the court/shoe interface affecting traction, lower body loading, and ultimately functional performance. An increase awareness of hip injuries in including hip impingement and labral tears has necessitated clinical strategies aimed at reducing intra-articular hip injury. Descriptive study of hip internal and external rotation range of motion have shown bilateral symmetry in elite level tennis players. Additionally, tennis players and other multidirectional sport athletes have long been plagued with muscular injury in the form of strains particularly of the two joint musculotendinous structures of the hip and groin. Finally, recent emphasis has been places on dynamic stretching and warm-up prior to athletic performance due to the finding of short term decreases in acute high intensity muscular power and explosiveness following traditionally More >
Singapore Exercise Program for Kids features Thera-Band
Apr 15th
A program to encourage kids to exercise in Singapore is now using Thera-Band® resistance bands for their physical activity program. The “Step with it®, Singapore” program from Coca-Cola Singapore encourages a different exercise with the elastic bands every month. The Thera-Band program was put together with the help of Thera-Band Academy and Lifeline Corporation. Each month, a band exercise with video is featured, as well as a downloadable exercise poster.
5 New Thera-Band Active Care Products Available
Apr 9th
The Hygenic Corporation / Performance Health Inc. is excited to announce the introduction of 5 new Thera-Band products that give healthcare providers new home exercise program options. Download the press release here.
Retail packaged, the Thera-Band® Foot Roller is an ideal tool for patients who are seeking an affordable, simple and effective solution to relieving foot pain caused by common conditions such as plantar fasciitis and over-activity. It features supple natural rubber, a ridged design, hollow core, and the ability to be chilled.
Packaged for practitioner resale and complete with an exercise poster, the 9” Thera-Band® Mini Ball can be used in-clinic or sold to patients for use as part of a home exercise program. This soft, tactile, non-slip PVC ball supports a range of varied and effective exercises designed to increase core strength.
Ideal for home exercise programs, the Thera-Band® Comfort Fit Ankle & Wrist Weight Sets feature adjustable straps, a soft terrycloth interior and reflective trim. They are available in three color-coded weight sets, ranging from red (two 1 lb. weights), to green (two 1.5 lb. weights), to blue (two 2.5 lb. weights).
Packaged for practitioner resale and complete with exercise instructions, the 13” Thera-Band® Stability Disc offers an unstable and sensory-stimulating surface designed More >
Hip exercise for strength, stability (Cincinnati.com)
Apr 7th
Posted on www.cincinnati.com, professional baseball player Jeff Keppinger, demonstrated exercises that strengthen and balance hip muscles, using a looped exercise band.
