Research and News
Archive for October, 2010
Proprioceptive training reduces injury rates and recovery time in female soccer players
Oct 28th
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Proprioceptive exercise training has been shown in several studies to reduce soccer injury rates. Unstable surfaces such as Thera-Band® Stability Trainers, Stability Discs, and balance boards can be part of an effective proprioceptive training program. Several studies have shown reductions in ACL tears and ankle sprains which are considered “non-contact” injuries. German researchers hypothesized that the same preventive effects of proprioceptive training may apply to other lower extremity injuries, namely hamstring, patellar tendon, and Achilles tendon injuries. They implemented a multi-station soccer-specific exercise program involving jumps and balance training on a wobble board with the Premier League female soccer team, Bayern Muenchen. Their results were published in the American Journal of Sports Medicine.
At the end of the 3 year intervention, non-contact hamstring injury rates were significantly reduced 64%, from 22.4 to 8.2. Patella tendon injuries were reduced by 67% (3 vs. 1) and achilles injuries reduced by 100% (1.5 to 0). The mean time lost to injury for the players also significantly decreased from 14.4 days to 1.5 days. In addition, the researchers identified a dose-effect of the training: the more time spent More >
Thera-Band strengthening exercises lessen fatigue for cancer patients undergoing radiation therapy
Oct 26th
Breast and prostate cancer patients often suffer from cancer-related fatigue. While not well-understood, cancer-related fatigue may hamper a cancer patient’s recovery and quality of life. Researchers at the University of Rochester investigated the feasibility and results of 4 weeks of home-based aerobic exercises combined with progressive Thera-Band® resistance band strengthening exercises. 38 patients with breast or prostate cancer beginning radiation therapy were randomized into a control group or exercise group. The exercise group subjects were given an exercise kit containing written instructions, a pedometer, and 3 progressive Thera-Band resistance bands. They exercised 7 days a week and were encouraged to walk 10,000 steps a day for the aerobic component. They also performed 11 upper body exercises with progressive Thera-Band resistance (Download the Thera-Band cancer radiation therapy strengthening exercise program here).
The exercise group demonstrated good adherence (79%), and reported significantly more physical activity levels than the control group at the 3-month follow-up. In addition, the exercise group reported significantly less fatigue and higher quality of life compared to the control group. While not statistically significant, the exercise group maintained their muscle mass at 3 months follow-up, while the control group lost muscle mass, a common side effect of cancer treatment. The authors concluded, “The combination of More >
Evidence-based exercise prescription for Thera-Band® shoulder exercises
Oct 21st
Shoulder rehabilitation exercises are commonly performed with Thera-Band® resistance bands and dumbbells. Electromyography (EMG) is commonly used to quantify the muscle activity of these exercises to help clinicians determine which exercises are most effective at activating muscle. Several studies have been published that evaluate the EMG levels of common shoulder exercises. Unfortunately, it’s difficult to compare the results of these studies since they often 1) assess different muscles; 2) use different intensities and types of resistance; 3) quantify the level of contraction differently; and 4) use different analysis techniques. In addition, these studies are typically performed on healthy individuals without shoulder pathology, limiting our understanding of the effects of these exercises on shoulder patients. These issues all limit our evidence-based clinical decision making.
Dr. Rafael Escamilla of the Andrews Institute for Orthopedics and Sports Medicine in Florida published an excellent review of shoulder function and muscle activation studies in Sports Medicine. Dr. Escamilla and his colleagues described relevant biomechanics and function of the rotator cuff, deltoid, and scapular muscles. His colleagues then reviewed 8 EMG studies evaluating various shoulder exercises, modes of resistance, and muscles. Exercises with ‘high’ to ‘very high’ activation (> 41% maximum contraction) were identified.
Download the Thera-Band exercises here.
When More >
Home exercise with Thera-Band® tubing reduces knee pain in older Japanese women
Oct 19th
It’s been suggested that 25% of people over the age of 25 experience persistent knee pain (Peat et al. 2001); furthermore, it’s estimated that one quarter of adults with mild to moderate knee pain will develop severe or disabling pain within 3 years (Jinks et al. 2008). Several studies have shown that exercises with elastic resistance such as Thera-Band® resistance bands reduce pain and improve function in patients with knee osteoarthritis (O’Reilly et al. 1999, Topp et al. 2002). Researchers in Japan investigated the effectiveness of home physical therapy exercises in community-dwelling females with mild knee pain.
42 elderly females with mild knee pain during activity were divided into 2 groups based on their home location (thus they were not randomized): non-exercising control group and a home exercise group. Each subject in the exercise group received 2 home visits by a physical therapist for instruction in an exercise program using Thera-Band resistance tubing for leg strengthening. Exercises were progressed as limited by pain and performed 3 times per week for 5 months.
After the program, the individuals in the exercise group significantly improved in their WOMAC score, which measures pain, stiffness and function in arthritis patients. In addition, they had less pain during More >
First Step to Active Health Program Successful for Occupational Therapy Patients
Oct 15th
“Occupational therapists are in a great position to promote physical activity as they treat their older adult patients,” said Pamela Toto, OT, PhD(c). She completed a study using the Thera-Band® First Step to Active Health® on a group of older adults living in a low-income high rise building. 19 occupational therapy patients participated in the 10-week group exercise program. The First Step to Active Health program is a well-rounded program including Thera-Band resistance training, flexibility, balance and cardiovascular activities. After 10 weeks, the older adults significantly improved in functional fitness and physical activity levels. Toto’s research adds to the growing evidence that supports the First Step program. She presented her results at the 2010 Thera-Band Research Advisory Committee meeting.
Visit the Thera-Band Academy First Step to Active Health Learning Portal Here
