Research and News
Dr. Phil Page
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Posts by Dr. Phil Page
A better exercise for trapezius muscle balance?
Aug 29th
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Trapezius muscle balance is important for normal shoulder function. Often in patients with impingement, the lower trapezius is much weaker than the upper trapezius. Traditional exercises to strengthen the lower trapezius such as prone shoulder flexion may cause further impingement, creating a “catch 22” for clinicians: Is there a better exercise for the lower trapezius that doesn’t impinge the shoulder?
Scientific Advisory Board member, Sue Falsone, PT, ATC, Vice President of Athletes’ Performance in Phoenix presented a pilot study of EMG activation of the upper and lower portions of the trapezius muscle during prone flexion with a cuff weight and 3 novel Thera-Band® tubing exercises at the 13th annual TRAC meeting in San Francisco, California.
The “vector” principle of elastic exercise prescription creates vectors of resistance more specific to muscle function. Vector exercises for lower trapezius were developed to create a line of resistance in the direction of the fibers of the lower trapezius, and in the opposite direction of its action of retraction and depression.
In Falsone’s pilot study, 10 healthy subjects without shoulder pain performed these 4 exercises in random order while Noraxon surface EMG 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 >
Scientific Advisory Committee presents research on Thera-Band and Biofreeze
Aug 3rd
Performance Health, makers of Thera-Band® and Biofreeze® products, hosted the 13th annual meeting of their Scientific Advisory Committee to help direct efforts in research and education. This year’s meeting was held July 22-24 in San Francisco, California. The committee includes 16 researchers, educators, and clinicians from 6 countries with diverse backgrounds representing physical and occupational therapy, chiropractic, orthopedic surgery, exercise science, massage therapy, and athletic training. The 2011 committee included:
- Lars Andersen PhD (Denmark)
- Ashish Babhulkar MD (India)
- David Behm PhD (Canada)
- Bart Bishop PT (USA)
- Juan Colado PhD (Spain)
- Todd Ellenbecker PT (USA)
- Sue Falsone PT ATC (USA)
- Jeff Forman PhD MT (USA)
- Jay Greenstein DC (USA)
- Tom Hyde DC (USA)
- Andre Labbe PT (USA)
- Michael Rogers PhD (USA)
- Bob Topp PhD RN (USA)
- Pam Toto PhD OT (USA)
- Tim Tyler PT ATC (USA)
- Leo Wang PhD PT (China)
Since 1999, a select group of researchers and clinical educators has been appointed to the committee to support and facilitate Performance Health’s research agenda. Formerly known as “TRAC,” the committee’s research helps support the mission of Thera-Band Academy to support evidence-led practice through research and education. Each year, the committee meets for 3 days to present and discuss their original research using Thera-Band and Biofreeze products. This committee plays a vital role in providing cutting-edge research for More >
