Research and News
EMG evidence helps support evidence-based practice with Thera-Band
Electromyography (EMG) is a helpful tool for clinicians to decide which exercise would be best for their patients rehabilitation. Many studies have investigated the muscle activation levels of elastic resistance, including Thera-Band® resistance bands. Dr. Todd Ellenbecker of Physiotherapy Associates in Scottsdale, Arizona, investigated the EMG levels of 2 Thera-Band exercises he uses in his clinic. “We use these exercises on our patients, yet we don’t exactly know the muscle activation levels,” Dr. Ellenbecker noted, “EMG testing will help us make better clinical decisions for exercise prescription.”
Dr. Ellenbecker presented his findings at the 2010 Thera-Band Research Advisory Committee (TRAC) meeting. 21 subjects performed an external rotation oscillation with the FlexBar® exerciser and a Thera-Band Band Loop Wall Walk. The researchers measured surface EMG levels of the deltoid, rotator cuff and scapular stabilizers. Interestingly, both exercises produced similar levels of activation. The most active muscle for both exercises was the infraspinatus of the rotator cuff, which had moderate activation levels. Interestingly, the ratios of the upper trapezius to lower trapezius were over 1:1 for both exercises. “That’s important because we like to bias the lower trapezius, which is usually weaker than the upper trapezius in shoulder patients,” said Dr. Ellenbecker. His research helps clinicians make better decisions about exercise prescription with Thera-Band products, thus supporting evidence-based practice.
Visit the Thera-Band Academy shoulder resource center here
Related posts:
- Hygenic/Performance Health Supports Evidence-Based Practice with 12th Annual Research Meeting
- EMG supports “Wall Walk” exercise with Thera-Band® Resistance
- Does the exercise ball enhance EMG activity during resistance training?
- Evidence-based Recommendations for Core Training with Unstable Surfaces
- Best head position for Soft Weight shoulder exercise?
| Print article | This entry was posted by Dr. Phil Page on October 7, 2010 at 6:29 am, and is filed under FlexBar, Research Updates, Supported Researchers, Thera-Band Elastic Resistance, Thera-Band Loops, TRAC 2010. Follow any responses to this post through RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback from your own site. |
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