Research and News
Exercises
Can exercise improve scapular posture?
Dec 21st
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Scapular position plays an important role in posture and movement, and is often thought to have a role in shoulder pain. A paper published in the Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research reviewed the literature on determining scapular position, strength and flexibility. Exercise studies on improving scapular position were reviewed as well. The author of the review reported on 3 prospective intervention studies, 2 of which incorporated elastic resistance training and shoulder stretches. While 2 of the studies found improvements in scapular position, all studies had validity and reliability limitations. Thera-Band resistance products may help improve scapular position, but likely should be coupled with pectoralis minor stretching. More research is needed to establish the effectiveness of exercise programs for scapular position.
REFERENCE: Hrysomallis C. Effectiveness of strengthening and stretching exercises for the postural correction of abducted scapulae: a review. J Strength Cond Res. 2010 Feb;24(2):567-74.
Developing Thera-Band exercise programs for overhead throwing athletes
Dec 17th
The overhead athlete’s shoulder must be strong, flexible, and enduring for optimal performance. Shoulder exercises for the throwing athlete must reflect the specific functional demands required both for injury prevention and rehabilitation. Head Athletic Trainer for the Boston Red Sox, Mike Reinold, DPT, ATC, CSCS, published a “current concepts” paper on preventive and rehabilitative exercises for overhead throwing athletes.
Dr. Reinold and his colleagues outlined 6 principles of injury prevention and treatment programs:
1. Maintain range of motion
2. Maintain strength of the glenohumeral and scapulothoracic musculature
3. Emphasize dynamic stabilization and neuromuscular control
4. Core and lower body training
5. Off-season preparation
6. In-season maintenance
In addition, the authors outlined a rehabilitation progression for shoulder conditions including impingement, instability, and rotator cuff tendonitis. They recommend the use of products such as elastic tubing, exercise balls, soft weights, and band loops throughout the program. By understanding the demands on the throwing shoulder, rehabilitation professionals can improve their clinical decision-making and progressive exercise prescription. For more information on the overhead throwing shoulder, I recommend Dr. Reinold’s book co-written with Kevin Wilk PT and James Andrews MD, The Athlete’s Shoulder. The Thera-Band family of resistance exercise products is an important part of any preventive or rehabilitative exercise program for overhead throwing athletes.
REFERENCE: More >
Thera-Band® products featured in evidence-based shoulder rehabilitation
Nov 29th
Shoulder impingement and rotator cuff injuries often respond well to physical therapy exercises. The success of the exercise program will depend on an accurate clinical assessment and an evidence-based approach to prescribing appropriate interventions. Two expert physical therapists and clinical researchers published an excellent review on the rehabilitation of shoulder impingement syndrome and rotator cuff injuries in the British Journal of Sports Medicine.
Drs. Todd Ellenbecker and Ann Cools offer a well-detailed description of the literature behind range of motion limitations, scapular dyskinesis, and muscle balance. Both authors have published extensively in these areas of clinical research, giving them an excellent perspective at translating evidence into practice by sharing their expertise. Ellenbecker and Cools provide some unique exercises for restoring shoulder muscle balance, including the “external rotation oscillation” exercise using Thera-Band® tubing and a FlexBar®. Dr. Ellenbecker recently completed an EMG study on this exercise, finding moderate levels of infraspinatus muscle activation. Another exercise researched by Dr. Ellenbecker, a 90-90 plyometric external rotation with a Thera-Band soft weight was highlighted in the article as well, and was featured previously on the Academy blog.
Simple and effective Thera-Band products can be a valuable part of an evidence-based shoulder rehabilitation program.
REFERENCE: Ellenbecker TS, Cools A. Rehabilitation of shoulder More >
Instructions now available in different languages for Thera-Band Products
Mar 22nd
The instruction manuals for several Thera-Band® products are now available in multiple languages. The PDF-format manuals include Thera-Band elastic resistance, Soft Weights, Stability Trainers, and the Exercise Station. Several languages are available, including German, Italian, and French among others.
Diabetes, Fibromyalgia, and Knee Osteoarthritis Exercises with Thera-Band Products Featured in Active Aging Today
Nov 10th
The new online journal from Human Kinetics, Active Aging Today, recently featured Thera-Band® products in exercise programs for diabetes, fibromyalgia, and knee osteoarthritis. Each article provides scientific rationale and practical exercise programming, including an exercise handout in PDF format.
Visit the Thera-Band Academy Diabetes Center here
Visit the Thera-Band Academy Fibromyalgia Center here
Visit the Thera-Band Academy Knee Osteoarthritis Center here
Active Aging Today (AAT) is an online multimedia journal for practitioners and administrators who lead and direct physical activity programs for older adults. The journal reports on practices and programs that successfully engage older participants. Each bimonthly issue provides practical articles written by experts in the field. For a limited time, you can register for a free, 3-month trial subscription to Active Aging Today. At checkout, just enter promo code AACCtrial to receive your discount. Click here to get your free trial subscription.
