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Systematic review supports use of elastic resistance exercise for shoulder impingement
Mar 9th
Shoulder impingement is a common cause of chronic shoulder pain that can be treated with exercise. Impingement can be caused by a structural narrowing of the space between the humeral bone and acromion of the scapula, or by a muscle imbalance of the rotator cuff and/or scapular stabilizer muscles. These types of impingement are referred to as structural and functional, respectively.
Thera-Band® resistance band exercises are commonly used in rehabilitation of shoulder impingement. In fact, nearly 75% (9 out of 13) of the studies in a systematic review of physiotherapy exercises for impingement included elastic resistance exercise for the rotator cuff and scapula. In their review, Kromer and colleagues found that passive treatments (such as modalities only) are not effective and cannot be justified when treating shoulder impingement.
The authors found that physiotherapist-led exercises were as effective as surgery for shoulder impingement. In addition, home-based exercises were as effective as physiotherapy interventions, although manual therapy in the clinic may provide additional short-term relief. Based on these conclusions, Thera-Band resistance band exercises in the clinic or home can be an effective and safer alternative to surgery.
Kromer TO, et al. Effects of physiotherapy in patients with shoulder impingement syndrome: a systematic review of the literature. J Rehabil Med. 2009;41(11):870-80.
Elastic bands effective at treating neck pain and whiplash
Mar 8th
“Whiplash” injuries are defined as sudden acceleration-deceleration of the head resulting in damage to the cervical spine. While most common in motor vehicle accidents (MVA), whiplash can occur as a result of other high-speed activities such as sports. Usually characterized by long-standing chronic neck pain and disability, studies have shown that patients with whiplash-associated disorders (WAD) have specific patterns of muscle weakness and tightness. Exercise for whiplash and neck pain have been shown effective. Previous research by Dr. Jari Ylinen in Finland has shown that Thera-Band® resistance band exercises are effective at reducing chronic neck pain for up to 2 years. Click here to view Dr. Ylinen’s Thera-Band resistance band exercise protocol here.
Researchers in Norway wanted to compare 2 types of exercise programs on patients with whiplash. 25 patients were randomly assigned to a strength and endurance group or a “motor control” exercise group during 6 weeks of physical therapy. The motor control group performed 10 repetitions of deep neck flexor activation against an inflatable blood pressure cuff. The strengthening group used elastic bands to strengthen their neck muscles and dumbbells to strengthen the upper body. Each exercise was performed for 1 set of 15 to 20 repetitions; each session included a 5 minute 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 >
The Best Exercises for Rotator Cuff Strengthening
Mar 2nd
For years, the debate has continued on the ‘best’ exercises for strengthening shoulder muscles. Using electromyography (EMG) to measure muscle activity, researchers have attempted to determine which exercises have the highest levels of muscles activity for strengthening exercises. Several studies have examined EMG of common shoulder exercises to find the best exercises to strengthen the rotator cuff; in particular, the supraspinatus muscle. The “empty can” or “full can” exercises have been the most commonly performed exercise for supraspinatus strengthening, but controversy still exists in the literature.
While high muscle activation levels are often desirable, what’s more important is the relative activation of other muscles during the movement. For example, Dr. Michael Reinold and colleagues suggested in their 2007 paper that a good rotator cuff exercise should produce the greatest supraspinatus activity while minimizing the deltoid activation. Theoretically, reducing deltoid activation decreases the upward shear of the humerus during arm elevation, which may be desirable when prescribing exercise to strengthen the suprapsinatus in impingement patients.
In a study published in Medicine and Science and Sports and Exercise, subjects performed 5 isometric exercises in random order while measuring the EMG activity of the deltoid, supraspinatus, and infraspinatus. The exercises were: full can, empty can, prone elevation, elastic external More >
