Research and News
Archive for August, 2010
Balance exercises for chronic ankle sprains effective
Aug 31st
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Chronic ankle sprains have been attributed to poor sensorimotor control, resulting in “functional ankle instability.” First described in the 1960’s by Freeman and Wyke, functional ankle instability has been postulated to result from a lack of proprioceptive information from the ankle due to “deafferentation.” Functional ankle instability is associated with chronic ankle sprains; patients with functional ankle instability may have normal strength and ligament structure, yet continue to suffer ankles sprains. Progressive balance exercise programs have been shown effective at reducing functional instability and recurring ankle sprains. Sensorimotor training programs for ankle instability often include balance exercises that use foam pads such as Thera-Band® Stability Trainers.
Researchers at the University of Kentucky developed a progressive balance training program for patients with chronic ankle instability. The program lasted 4 weeks and focused on dynamic balance stabilization in single-leg stance. Exercises included progressions in hops and single-leg balance using foam pads and 6-pound medicine balls. The results of their first study, published in Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise in 2008, found that their program significantly improved function and postural control in chronic ankle sprain patients. In More >
ATP tour uses Thera-Band® products for their players
Aug 30th
Thera-Band Research Advisory Committee (TRAC) member, Todd Ellenbecker, DPT, MS, SCS, OCS, CSCS was recently featured on a video demonstrating balance and agility exercises for tennis with Thera-Band products. Todd is the Director of Sports Medicine for the ATP Tour, and is the National Director of Clinical Research and Clinic Director of Physiotherapy Associates in Scottsdale. Learn more about the Thera-Band Stability Trainer, Band Loops, and Soft Weights that Todd recommends in the video.
You can also view the video at the ATP website here: Agility Training for Tennis with Thera-Band Products
For more information on purchasing Thera-Band products, contact your local healthcare distributor or visit our “Where to Buy” website to find a practitioner in your area who sells the products.
Thera-Band® Workshops coming to India in 1 week!
Aug 27th
ONE WEEK LEFT!
Thera-Band® Academy and Biotech India are proud to announce 2 hands-on workshops for physiotherapists and occupational therapists in September. Dr. Phil Page, Director of Education and Research for Thera-Band Academy will be presenting the “Bands, Balls & Balance” workshops in Pune and Mumbai:
4 September 2010: Pune (Deenanath Mangeskar Hospital) SEATS LIMITED!
5 September 2010: Mumbai (Holy Family Hospital, Bandra (West)) SOLD OUT
Registration space is limited to ensure a quality, hands-on training. Download the registration for either location here, or contact Deepak Shah at sales(at)biotechindia.net.
Bands, Balls and Balance is an evidence-based practical workshop that provides clinically relevant therapeutic exercise progression for therapists. Using inexpensive and readily available equipment, this workshop will help improve clinical decision-making and problem solving skills for therapists at all levels. The 1-day workshop includes lecture and hands-on lab activities using elastic resistance, exercise balls, and balance training devices. Participants will learn the scientific basis for impairment-based exercise progressions including EMG analysis and proper patient positioning for appropriately dosed exercise prescription. Participants will take away immediate clinical applications based on the latest research from around the world.
Thera-Band Research Advisory Committee meets in Athens, Greece
Aug 26th
The 12th annual Thera-Band® Research Advisory Committee (TRAC) meeting was held July 19-21, 2010 in Athens, Greece. 15 international researchers and clinicians met for 3 days to present and discuss research on Thera-Band® and Biofreeze® products. The diverse international group included physical therapists, occupational therapist, chiropractors, massage therapists, and university professors. TRAC members presented 19 research projects on a variety of topics from EMG to clinical outcomes. “We have been committed to supporting evidence-based practice for over a decade. Our TRAC research helps professionals understand not only how effective our products are, but also how to best utilize them in practice.” said Phil Page, PhD, PT ATC, Director of Education and Research. The mission of the Thera-Band Academy is to support research, education, and practice. “By having a diverse group of professionals in TRAC, they are able to provide a great blend of clinical and research knowledge, as well as different points of view from various disciplines and cultures,” added Page. “I’m not aware of any other manufacturer who has this type of group to support evidence-based practice with their products.” Download the research proceedings from the TRAC meeting here.
FlexBar® study on Tennis Elbow published in JSES
Aug 26th
Tim Tyler’s study on the novel FlexBar® exercise for tennis elbow has been published in this month’s Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery. Congratulations to Tim and his co-authors!
Their study using the “Tyler Twist” exercise for patients with tennis elbow showed significant improvements over tradition treatment. The study has been featured in the New York Times, Readers Digest and Consumer Health. Many patients have shared their success stories with us and interest continues to grow around the world!
