Research and News
Thera-Band Elastic Resistance
Top 10 Myths of Elastic Resistance
May 7th
by Phil Page, PT, ATC
1. There is very little scientific evidence on elastic resistance. FALSE! There are over 100 published randomized, clinical trials (the highest level of evidence) that have used elastic resistance. In addition, there are over 60 basic and applied studies that have been published to describe the scientific foundation for elastic resistance, including electromyographic (EMG) evidence and biomechanical analysis. The most comprehensive and updated list of these references is available at www.Thera-BandAcademy.com.
2. Isotonic or machine-based resistance is more safe & effective than elastic resistance. FALSE! The injuries and rates reported with using elastic resistance in the literature are as small if not smaller than using isotonic resistance. Scientific evidence proves that the resistance provided by elastics is very similar to isotonic resistance in physiologic response, strength outcomes, and patterns of muscle activation.
Thera-Band Torque, compared to isotonic weights
3. In contrast to isotonic resistance, the strength curve (torque at the joint) of elastic resistance is linear & ascending. FALSE! Many people confuse FORCE (resistance) with TORQUE (force x distance). This has led to the misperception that isotonic resistance is more “functional” to the strength capacity of muscles than elastic resistance. The FORCE produced by elastic resistance is linear and ascending, meaning that resistance increases proportional More >
Singapore Exercise Program for Kids features Thera-Band
Apr 15th
A program to encourage kids to exercise in Singapore is now using Thera-Band® resistance bands for their physical activity program. The “Step with it®, Singapore” program from Coca-Cola Singapore encourages a different exercise with the elastic bands every month. The Thera-Band program was put together with the help of Thera-Band Academy and Lifeline Corporation. Each month, a band exercise with video is featured, as well as a downloadable exercise poster.
5 New Thera-Band Active Care Products Available
Apr 9th
The Hygenic Corporation / Performance Health Inc. is excited to announce the introduction of 5 new Thera-Band products that give healthcare providers new home exercise program options. Download the press release here.
Retail packaged, the Thera-Band® Foot Roller is an ideal tool for patients who are seeking an affordable, simple and effective solution to relieving foot pain caused by common conditions such as plantar fasciitis and over-activity. It features supple natural rubber, a ridged design, hollow core, and the ability to be chilled.
Packaged for practitioner resale and complete with an exercise poster, the 9” Thera-Band® Mini Ball can be used in-clinic or sold to patients for use as part of a home exercise program. This soft, tactile, non-slip PVC ball supports a range of varied and effective exercises designed to increase core strength.
Ideal for home exercise programs, the Thera-Band® Comfort Fit Ankle & Wrist Weight Sets feature adjustable straps, a soft terrycloth interior and reflective trim. They are available in three color-coded weight sets, ranging from red (two 1 lb. weights), to green (two 1.5 lb. weights), to blue (two 2.5 lb. weights).
Packaged for practitioner resale and complete with exercise instructions, the 13” Thera-Band® Stability Disc offers an unstable and sensory-stimulating surface designed More >
Hip exercise for strength, stability (Cincinnati.com)
Apr 7th
Posted on www.cincinnati.com, professional baseball player Jeff Keppinger, demonstrated exercises that strengthen and balance hip muscles, using a looped exercise band.
How much resistance do Thera-Band® bands & tubes produce?
Apr 7th
One of the most frequently asked questions about using Thera-Band® elastic resistance is, “What resistance do the bands and tubes produce?” The simple answer is that it depends on how much the band or tubing is stretched, or “percent elongation”. The “percent elongation” that the elastic is stretched is based on the increase in length from it’s resting length. For example, a 2 foot length of tubing that’s stretched to 4 feet would be elongated 100%. If you stretched it another 2 feet, that would be 200% elongation.
Using the “force elongation” chart, you can predict what the force will be at a specific percent elongation for Thera-Band colors. For example, if your 2 foot length of band was Red, then when you stretched it to 4 feet (100% elongation), you’d have about 3.9 pounds of force. Download the full-color Thera-Band force chart to quickly find the resistance level at a given percent elongation.
Both Thera-Band resistance tubing and bands are calibrated to offer the same resistance levels at the same percent elongation. No other elastic resistance manufacturer provides the quality and consistency you can expect and trust.
