Research and News
Cuff Weights
A better way to prescribe shoulder rehab exercise intensity?
Aug 31st
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OMNI-RES Scale
Physical and occupational therapists often use both elastic and dumbbell resistance during shoulder rehabilitation exercises. Unfortunately, many therapists arbitrarily assign resistance levels to patients during their exercises based only on clinical experience. In the fitness setting, RPE (Rating of Perceived Exertion) scales have been used successfully in dosing the intensity of both isotonic and Thera-Band® elastic resistance exercises (Colado & Triplett, 2008). In addition, RPE has been shown to be similar between Thera-Band and isotonic resistance of similar EMG activation during shoulder exercise in healthy subjects (Andersen et al, 2010). Most recently, as discussed on the Academy Blog, the OMNI-RES scale for perceived exertion was shown to be valid when used to prescribe elastic resistance exercise in healthy individuals.
Todd Ellenbecker DPT
Scientific Advisory Board memberTodd Ellenbecker, DPT from the Physiotherapy Sports Clinic in Scottsdale Arizona wanted to see if he could use RPE during rehabilitation exercises for his shoulder patients. He presented the results of his pilot study at the 13th annual TRAC meeting in San Francisco.
31 shoulder patients including 21 post-operative and 10 non-operative patients were in the study. They were asked to More >
Osteoporosis exercise program with elastic resistance can reduce fall risk factors
Apr 25th
Osteoporosis affects 10 million Americans and is characterized by low bone density. Persons with low bone density are at higher risk of fractures after a fall. The National Osteoporosis Foundation recommends balance training as part of an exercise program for persons with osteoporosis.
Researchers in Brazil evaluated the effectiveness of an eight week exercise program on balance and strength in women with osteoporosis. 33 subjects were randomly assigned to either the exercise or control group. All subjects were tested before and after the program for isokinetic leg strength and postural stability using a Neurocom Balance Master.
The exercise group performed a 10-minute warm-up followed by 20 minutes of balance training and 30 minutes of lower extremity strengthening exercises using ankle cuff weights and elastic bands.
After the 8-week program, the exercising group significantly improved their balance and leg strength compared to the control group. Adherence was excellent at 82%. While these results are promising, a longer term follow-up would be valuable in evaluating the program’s effectiveness at preventing falls and fractures.
An exercise program utilizing Thera-Band® resistance bands and ankle and wrist weights can be effective at improving risk factors associated with falls in osteoporotic women.
REFERENCE: Burke TN, et al. Postural control in elderly persons with osteoporosis: Efficacy More >
Exercises for stroke survivors improve strength and function
Jan 7th
Cerebrovascular accidents (CVA) often lead to disability and sometimes death due to lack of oxygen to different parts of the brain. These are also known more commonly as a “stroke,” and can cause weakness of the trunk and extremities, usually on the side opposite the brain damage. For example, a stroke affecting the left side of the brain will result in weakness to the right arm and leg.
Historically, resistance exercise was rarely used in stroke patients for fear of increasing muscle spasticity. Instead, rehabilitation focused on assisting with functional tasks and maintaining muscle range of motion. With the advances in stroke recognition and treatment, and the subsequent increase in those surviving a stroke, stroke survivors (estimated at 6 million survivors) are often left with residual weakness and functional disability. Therefore, strength training is now recommended for ambulatory stroke survivors.
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Thera-Band® exercises improve posture and strength in women with excessive kyphosis
Dec 22nd
NOTE: In the Academy Blog, I like to report on the most current research; however, I periodically come across references from years ago that are significant contributions to practice; and thus, “blog-worthy.” I’ve come across a few of these recently, so you might see a couple of ‘older’ references…but I’m sure it will be valuable information! Today’s blog is from Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation in 2007.
Thoracic kyphosis is a postural deformity characterized by an excessive curvature of the upper back (thoracic spine). This kyphosis is characteristic of osteoporosis and is commonly seen in older females. A recent study featured in the Academy blog showed that exercises utilizing Thera-Band products can help improve kyphotic posture.
A study conducted by researchers at the University of California in San Francisco supported that finding. In their research, they targeted females over 65 years old with increased kyphosis over 50 degrees. The women participated in a twice-a-week group exercise program for 12 weeks led by a physical therapist. Download the Thoracic Kyphosis Exercise Protcol here. The exercises included Thera-Band resistance band exercises, a stretch strap, ankle and wrist cuff weights, and a foam roll. The resistance band exercises were similar to those recommended by Sara Meeks More >
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 >
