Research and News
Stretch Strap
Current concepts in muscle stretching for exercise and rehabilitation
Feb 16th
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“To stretch or not to stretch.” That is the question…which continues to be asked by those who exercise, lead exercise programs, and perform research on exercise. Unfortunately, the answer is not so easy: “It depends.”
The reason is that there are many variables to consider with stretching intervention studies. Unfortunately, the media tends to generalize outcomes of stretching studies to anyone, which becomes easily misinterpreted. For example, a headline may read “Stretching can decrease performance.” Many would think this headline pertains to all types of stretching for anyone; however, closer review of the study would reveal that stretching immediately prior to vertical leap test may decrease performance of athletes for that particular test. Unfortunately, this only confuses us and leads to more questions.
The February 2011 issue of International Journal of Sports Physical Therapy published my review article on current concepts in stretching. The review included 60 clinical trials evaluating the effectiveness of different stretching techniques, outcomes and populations. The article used the classification system of stretching interventions in the chart below:
It’s important to point out that this was only a review article, and More >
Does the new Thera-Band Stretch Strap increase flexibility?
Oct 10th
Stretching interventions are important to restore normal muscle length and joint range of motion (ROM). Contract-relax stretching has been shown more effective than static stretching to increase muscle flexibility. PNF-style contract-relax stretching requires a partner to provide resistance for a pre-stretch contraction, followed by passive movement into the newly acquired ROM. Stretching straps are sometimes used as an assistive device to help hold a limb in place for a static stretch. Unfortunately, most straps are rigid and therefore provide only static stretching.
The new Thera-Band® Stretch Strap has inherent elasticity combined with rigidity to support both static and contract-relax stretching. Thera-Band Academy Scientific Advisory Board member, Dr. David Behm and his students at Memorial University of Newfoundland in Canada tested the efficacy of the Thera-Band Stretch Strap in increasing hamstring flexibility compared to a partner-assisted stretch. He presented his findings at the 2011 TRAC meeting in San Francisco. They evaluated acute hip ROM as well as movement and reaction time before and after different stretching interventions, randomized on separate days.
Both stretching conditions with the Thera-Band Stretch Strap and with partner-assisted stretching significantly improved hamstring flexibility and impaired performance immediately after stretching. Dr. Behm concluded that the Thera-Band Stretch Strap provides similar improvements in ROM to partner-assisted stretching, More >
Stretching… implications for Massage Therapy
Apr 8th
Stretching exercises can be an important component of treatment during massage therapy. Licensed Massage Therapist Diana Thompson provided a great review of stretching exercises in Massage and Bodywork Magazine. She described the difference of effects between static and dynamic stretching with implications for massage therapists. Diana summarized the stretching research presented by Dr. David Behm when they both attended the 2010 Thera-Band Research Advisory Committee meeting. During that meeting, the research group was introduced to the new Thera-Band Stretch Strap which facilitates a number of stretching techniques.
Most of the controversy behind stretching is based on a misunderstanding of the literature. Different types of stretching (static, dynamic, contract-relax) produce different effects based on the activity performed and population tested. For example, static stretching immediately before a jumping event will decrease jump performance, whereas static stretching may increase flexibility in an older adult performing activities of daily living. It’s important not to make your clinical judgments about interventions based on media reports of research. A recent article in the Scandinavian Journal of Medicine and Science in Sports provides an excellent review of the literature on stretching. Practical summaries of the literature, as Diana provided, can be a less time-consuming method of interpreting the literature to improve clinical More >
Stretch Strap Featured in ACA News
Mar 1st
Dr. Jay Greenstein, member of the Thera-Band® Research Advisory Committee (TRAC), was recently featured in ACA News, a publication of the American Chiropractic Association. As part of an article on “New Tools for Your Toolbox,” Dr. Greenstein described several new products to enhance clinical practice. “When I first saw the new Thera-Band® Stretch Strap, I immediately fell in love with it,” said Dr. Greenstein. In the article, he described the benefits of the Stretch Strap as well as several exercises he uses in the clinic as CEO of Sport and Spine Rehab (http://www.ssrehab.com/). Stretching exercises are important for increasing or maintaining muscle length, flexibility, and range of motion. The Thera-Band Stretch Strap has the ability to perform both contract-relax and static stretching, which are common and effective modes of stretching. Traditional straps only provide for static stretching, while the elasticity of the Thera-Band Stretch Strap facilitates contract-relax stretching where muscle is first contracted, followed by a stretch. For more information on the Thera-Band Stretch Strap, including free exercises, check out the Thera-Band Academy’s online portal here.
Active Aging Today Series: Thera-Band Exercises for Muscle Imbalance
Dec 29th
Muscle Imbalance Syndromes in Older Adults by Dr. Phil Page
As we age, muscles develop characteristic patterns of tightness and weakness, leading to muscle imbalance. This imbalance is often associated with poor posture and musculoskeletal pain. Specific exercises with Thera-Band Resistance Bands and Stretch Strap can help restore muscle balance and improve posture. Download and read the article with exercises here.
REFERENCE: Page P. Muscle imbalance syndromes in older adults. Active Aging Today, 1(6), 2010. Available online here
Visit the Thera-Band Academy Older Adult Resource Center here
