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What to look for at APTA Combined Sections Meeting Feb 8-11
Feb 2nd
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As a Strategic Business Partner of the APTA and Partner in Research for the Foundation for Physical Therapy, Thera-Band® and Biofreeze® products are proud to participate in the largest national meeting for physical therapy next week. The American Physical Therapy Association’s Combined Sections Meeting will take place February 8-11 in Chicago and bring together members from the variety of specialty Sections that make up the APTA.
Thera-Band products will be used in 2 pre-conference workshops on Wednesday, February 8. Director of Thera-Band Academy, Dr. Phil Page will be co-presenting a pre-conference workshop, “Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization and Athletic Performance” with Academy speaker, Clare Frank DPT. Sports PT Section Vice President Rob Manske DPT will be presenting “Test, Don’t Guess; Treat and Assess: The Art and Science Behind the Hands-on Examination and Treatment Strategies for Selected Shoulder and Knee Conditions.”
As usual, the Thera-Band/Biofreeze booth will be in the exhibit hall in Booth 822. Be sure to stop by and try out the new Thera-Band Foam Rollers and Wraps+ and Roller Massager+!
In the research presentations, two Scientific Advisory Board Members will be presenting their TRAC research on Biofreeze and Thera-Band. Todd More >
Thera-Band exercise program can improve lower limb biomechanics in females
Jan 30th
Female athletes are particularly susceptible to anterior knee pain and injury to their anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). This increased risk is thought to result from poor dynamic control of the hip and knee, particularly when the foot hits the ground. The inability to control hip adduction, knee valgus, and internal rotation in the transition from an open- to closed-chain position of the leg may result from weakness of the hip abductor and external rotator muscles.
Researchers have suggested that females have weakness of their hip abductors, extensors, and external rotators (Prins et al. 2009). Exercise programs using Thera-Band® elastic resistance for females with anterior knee pain have been successful and featured previously in the Academy blog. These programs include core stabilization, as well as hip and knee strengthening exercises.
In the January 2012 journal, Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, Brazilian researchers published a study of 28 healthy female athletes. They wanted to determine if their exercise program could improve lower limb biomechanics, which theoretically may help reduce injuries. The subjects were assigned to either an 8 week training group or non-exercising control group.
The exercise group completed 3 phases of the exercise program:
Phase 1: Non-weight bearing exercises to enhance motor control and endurance of More >
Announcing New Thera-Band® Hand Xtrainer
Jan 27th
Akron, Ohio - Performance Health is pleased to announce the availability of the new Thera-Band® Hand Xtrainer (pronounced Cross-Trainer).
The Hand Xtrainer’s patented latex-free formula supports both hot and cold therapy, so it feels more comfortable in patients’ hands, including those with latex sensitivities. It’s truly a cross-functional device as it supports virtually all hand, finger, wrist and forearm exercises—flexion, extension, isolation, stretching and eccentric. The Xtrainer’s ability to return to its existing shape allows the user to perform repeated extension and pinch exercises without having to stop to remold the material. The four levels of progression enable customization by the clinician while providing motivation for the patient with visual validation of their progress.
Available in four progressive resistance levels, the Hand Xtrainer supports a broad range of finger, hand, wrist and forearm exercises, making it an ideal replacement to putty and an economical alternative to hand extensors. Its intuitive design with built-in recovery allows for optimal form with applications ranging from rehab to stretching and strength training.
To view videos comparing the Hand Xtrainer to putty, and for additional information about this new product line, visit info.Thera-BandAcademy.com\Xtrainer.
Thera-Band Hip Exercise Reduces Anterior Knee Pain
Jan 15th
Anterior knee pain is often associated with hip muscle weakness of the abductors, extensors and external rotators. Dr. Vladimir Janda noted these muscles were particularly susceptible to inhibition and weakness. Hip weakness is particularly prevalent in females with anterior knee pain.
This hip weakness is thought to result in abnormal forces occurring at the knee during stance, allowing the femur to adduct more than normal, possibly leading to excessive force and/or abnormal tracking of the patellofemoral joint.
Traditionally, anterior knee pain was thought to result from quadriceps weakness, particularly from the vastus medialis muscle. Recent biomechanical and epidemiological data suggest however, that hip weakness may play a more important role in the etiology of patellofemoral pain.
Several studies have evaluated the use of elastic resistance in reducing patellofemoral pain. In a systematic review of elastic resistance in patellofemoral pain, Page concluded “Exercise interventions including elastic resistance in patients with PFPS are effective at reducing pain and improving function and strength.” Many protocols in the review, however, included both hip and knee strengthening…leaving the question of the effectiveness of hip exercises.
In the January 2012 issue of the Journal of Orthopedic and Sports Physical Therapy, Dr. Khalil Khayambashi and colleagues performed a randomized controlled trial of More >
EMG Analysis of Achilles Exercises
Jan 12th
In a recent blog post, I wrote about Tim Tyler’s research presentation on EMG of the gastroc-soleus during Achilles tendon rehab exercises. The study was published in the November issue of Sports Health. Just to re-cap, here’s what the researchers found:
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Seated toe raise : 11%
- Single-leg balance on Wobble Board : 25%
- Prone ankle pumps : 38%
- Plantar flexion with red Thera-Band exercise band : 45%
- Walking : 47%
- Lateral Step-up : 60%
- Single leg heel raise : 112%
- Single leg jump : 112%
Be sure and check out Tim’s podcast of the study if you haven’t already:
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