Research and News
In the News
Thera-Band Academy International “Train the Trainer” held in Dusseldorf
Mar 18th
The Thera-Band® Academy held its 5th “Train the Trainer” meeting in Dusseldorf, Germany on March 5-6, 2010. The meeting was led by manager of the Academy in Europe, Astrid Buscher. 68 therapists and sports trainers from 28 countries in Europe and Asia participated in the 2-day training. The purpose of the meeting was to provide hands-on workshops on Thera-Band products in rehabilitation and sports. New participants were certified as Thera-Band Academy instructors, while veteran participants participated in advanced workshops including sports performance training and women’s health. In addition to becoming certified to teach the Academy’s international evidence-based workshop, “Bands, Balls and Balance,” new trainers also learned how to implement fall prevention programs and exercises for children.
At the end of the meeting, awards were given to the top-performing instructors over the past year based on the number of workshops they provide, as well as educational and research contributions.
First Place: Martial Delaire, France
Second Place: Derya Ozer, Turkey
Third Place: Celso Silva, Pedro Rebelo, Maria Da Lapa Rosado, Maria Joao Gomes; Portugal
In addition, the best performing instructor in their first year as an Academy instructor was awarded “Best Newcomer”: Edina Sziraki from Hungary.
A list of Thera-Band Academy instructors is available on the Academy website. The Academy More >
Study Shows Resistance Exercises Using Thera-Band Elastic Tubing and Dumbbells Produce Similar Levels of Muscle Activation
Mar 5th
Akron, OHIO: High-intensity resistance training plays an essential role in the prevention and rehabilitation of musculoskeletal injuries and disorders. Although resistance exercises with heavy weights yield high levels of muscle activation, the efficacy of more user-friendly forms of exercise needed to be examined.
“We were interested in a study that would confirm that elastic resistance is as effective as isotonic resistance without the hassle of dumbbells,” stated Phil Page PhD, PT, ATC, Director of Research and Education for Thera-Band Academy. “The convenience and accessibility of elastic bands and tubing can be very beneficial for patients continuing their exercises at home.”
Lars L. Andersen, PhD, and Mette K. Zebis, PhD, researchers with the National Research Centre for the Working Environment in Copenhagen, Denmark, completed a recent research study to investigate muscle activation and perceived loading during upper-extremity resistance exercises with dumbbells compared to elastic tubing.
The findings of this study were published online ahead of print on Feb. 4, 2010, by the American Physical Therapy Association at www.ptjournal.apta.org, the Web site of the Association’s journal, Physical Therapy (PTJ).
The article can be accessed at http://ptjournal.apta.org/future/90.4.dtl and will be published in print in the April 2010 issue.
The study involved 16 healthy female workers, aged 26–55 years, working More >
Introducing the newest THERA-BAND FlexBar® Resistance Option: Yellow!
Feb 25th
Akron, OH – Performance Health / Hygenic Corporation announces the introduction of new Thera-Band FlexBar, Yellow Resistance, for upper extremity rehabilitation and stabilization training. New Thera-Band FlexBar Yellow is the Extra Light resistance option for beginning rehab, pediatric, or geriatric patients, joining the Thera-Band color progression family of Red/Light, Green/Medium, and Blue/Heavy resistances.
Thera-Band FlexBar is 12” in length, contains a ribbed surface for secure grip, and is supplied in 4 progressive resistances beginning with new Thera-Band Flexbar Yellow and progressing to Red, Green, and Blue resistance levels for greater challenge. Made from dry natural rubber, the resistance of the Thera-Band FlexBar is increased by the force required to bend, twist, or oscillate the bar while holding it securely at one or both ends.
Thera-Band FlexBar is used routinely by therapists and trainers for clinical rehab and sold by Thera-Band authorized healthcare distributors.
Comparing Biofreeze® Pain Reliever and Ice
Dec 22nd
The December issue of Training and Conditioning magazine featured Dr. Phil Page discussing the differences between Biofreeze® topical pain reliever and Ice. Research recently posted on this blog by Dr. Bob Topp and Dr. Bart Bishop was featured in the article as well.
Click here to view a short video that demonstrates Dr. Topp’s research protocol
Thera-Band continuing education courses help raise money for PT students
Dec 21st
The Thera-Band® Academy sponsored 2 continuing education courses for physical therapists and PTAs with local physical therapy schools in Shreveport, Louisiana and Oklahoma City. The one-day workshop, “Beyond Bands: Evidence-Based Progression of Elastic and Proprioceptive Exercises” features the scientific basis for clinical application of elastic resistance and balance exercises. Phil Page, PhD, PT, ATC, Director of Education and Research for Thera-Band Academy, stated, “We developed this hands-on workshop to help support evidence-based practice with readily available equipment like bands and exercise balls.” The Thera-Band Academy has partnered with 10 PT and PTA schools to host the workshops through April, 2010 at various locations.
Mark Anderson, PhD, PT, ATC of Oklahoma University’s Physical Therapy School hosted the Oklahoma City course that raised nearly $3000 for the students. “In addition to raising money, this course helps fill a gap in the education of most physical therapists about the proper use of elastic resistance. This course supports both evidence-based practice and philanthropy, which is a great learning experience for our students.” Most of the money raised by the students will go toward supporting the Foundation for Physical Therapy’s Miami-Marquette Challenge, which helps raise money for PT research.
Thera-Band Academy instructor, Andre Labbe PT, led the workshop in More >
