Research and News
Thera-Band Elastic Resistance
Thera-Band® Neck Pain Exercise Video Available
Apr 12th
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A few months ago, I posted a blog about a new study by Dr. Lars Andersen in Denmark, which showed that a simple Thera-Band® elastic tubing exercise significantly reduced neck and shoulder pain in office workers. We now have a short 1-minute video that demonstrates the neck pain exercise for workers and companies that might be interested in improving productivity and reducing insurance costs. Click on the image below to view the Thera-Band elastic tubing exercise video or link to it here.
In addition, I’ve created a web page with a review of the study, as well as links to the research paper and the video at http://info.thera-bandacademy.com/neckpainexercise. At the bottom of the page, you can also see links to the media coverage in Denmark. Please feel free to share the outcomes of this excellent study with anyone you know who may benefit from a quick, simple, and inexpensive solution to occupational neck pain.
“No Excuses” Workout using Thera-Band® elastic bands
Apr 5th
The importance of regular exercise is well-established for good health. According to the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), adults should include strengthening exercises into their regular exercise program at least two to three days per week. Dr. Mary Sanders, a certified Exercise Physiologist and Fellow of the ACSM, recently published an article on incorporating stretching and strengthening exercise with Thera-Band® elastic bands. Dr. Sanders noted a recent survey of personal trainer members from the IDEA organization that reported resistance bands as the second most frequently used piece of equipment by 97% of respondents.
In her article, Dr. Sanders provided a “no excuses” approach to exercise. Workouts at home or in the office can provide flexibility and strength training, eliminating the need for a gym or expensive equipment. Download and read her article here.
REFERENCE : Sanders, M. Muscle up and stretch out! ACSM’s Health and Fitness Journal. 15(2):33-39.
Visit the Thera-Band Elastic Resistance Learning Portal Here
Two exercises you need in every program…
Mar 29th
Mike Reinold, PT, ATC, head athletic trainer of the Boston Red Sox, has a great blog with a lot of helpful hints on exercise and rehabilitation. He’s also a big fan of Thera-Band! His latest post features Thera-Band tubing with handles and band loops for two exercises that should be included in all exercise programs: shoulder and hip external rotation.
Exercise program helps young females with anterior knee pain
Mar 22nd
Patellofemoral pain syndrome is characterized by pain around the kneecap that increases with prolonged activity or prolonged sitting. It is more common in females and is associated with weakness of the hip, particularly hip abductors, extensors and rotators (Prins et al. 2009). This weakness is thought to lead to biomechanical deficits at the knee, most notably an increased knee abduction torque, which may alter patellar alignment over the distal femur at the knee. In addition, researchers (Leetun et al. 2004) have found that athletes with weak hip abductors and extensors in pre-participation screenings are more likely to be injured.
Therapeutic exercise programs strengthening the ‘proximal’ musculature (hip and core) have been successful in relieving symptoms of anterior knee pain. One study (Thomee 1997) using Thera-Band® resistance bands reported that 85% of females with anterior knee pain returned to sports after a 12-week exercise program. Recently, a paper in the American Journal of Sports Medicine reported on the outcomes of an eight-week exercise program in a series of young females with patellofemoral pain syndrome. The progressive, three-phase exercise program included “Monster Walks” with Thera-Band® elastic resistance bands. Download the exercise protocol here.
After the eight-week exercise program, 17 out of 19 (89%) of the participants had More >
Physical Therapist-led Home Exercise Programs with Thera-Band® Bands Benefits Stroke Survivors
Mar 17th
A stroke, or cerebrovascular accident (CVA) occurs when the brain is deprived of blood flow from a brain blood vessel blockage or rupture. With the increased awareness of strokes and advances in treatment, the number of stroke survivors is expected to continue to increase.
Stroke survivors are often left with residual disability, usually in walking and locomotion. As part of a collaborative “LEAPS” project between rehabilitation researchers at Duke University and the University of Southern California, 5 community-based rehabilitation hospitals in Florida and California participated in a large NIH-funded stroke survivor study. According to the NIH’s National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, this was the largest stroke rehabilitation study ever conducted in the United States.
Researchers wanted to investigate the effectiveness of high-tech robot-assisted treadmill training compared to home-based physical therapy exercises or “usual care” on the ability to walk independently. More than 400 patients were randomly assigned to one of 3 groups: locomotor treadmill walking, home exercise program led by a physical therapist including Thera-Band® resistance band exercises, or a “usual control” group. The patients all had severe or moderate gait impairments. The protocol for the study was published in BMC Neurology in 2007, and specifically included a Thera-Band color-based progression. The More >
