Research and News
Research Updates
Can high-intensity training improve throwing performance?
Oct 3rd
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Dr. David Behm
Repetitive overhand throwing requires both the generation of anaerobic and aerobic power over the course of a game. Professor David Behm PhD and his colleagues at Memorial University in St. Johns Canada wanted to see if a high-intensity training (HIT) strengthening program with Thera-Band elastic resistance bands would be beneficial for female fastball players. He presented his findings at the 12th annual meeting of Thera-Band Academy’s Scientific Advisory Board, TRAC.
Twelve subjects were randomly assigned to an experimental or control group. A “sprint” throwing training program was developed similar to a successful sprint cycle training program. The participants in the experimental training group performed a throwing motion against Thera-Band resistance. They progressively increased in resistance from green to blue to black resistance bands, exercising 3 times a week for 3 weeks with 5 sets of 20 repetitions.
After the short 3 week program, the training group significantly increased in peak oxygen consumption (VO2) by 18%, improved their lactate threshold by 21%, time to fatigue by 14%, and improved peak fastball velocity and endurance. The control group did not change. Dr. Behm’s research suggests More >
Biofreeze proven better than ice again!
Sep 29th
Topical analgesics such as Biofreeze® are frequently used to reduce muscle pain. The main ingredient in Biofreeze, menthol, is thought to reduce pain through a counter-irritant mechanism and through stimulation of cold receptors. (Watch a video of that explains the mechanism of Biofreeze here). Previous research has shown that compared to ice, Biofreeze topical analgesic results in similar decreases in blood flow (Olive et al. 2010) and greater pain relief in patients with neck pain (Bishop et al. in press).
Dr. David Behm
Thera-Band Academy Scientific Advisory Committee member Dr. David Behm of Memorial University of Newfoundland in Canada compared Biofreeze to ice in terms of its ability to reduce delayed-onset muscle soreness (DOMS) and increase muscle force production. He presented his results at the 2011 TRAC meeting in San Francisco. Two groups, each with 8 subjects, had DOMS induced in their non-dominant biceps. Two days later, either ice or Biofreeze was applied to their sore biceps. Subjects were asked to rate their pain perception and muscle function was measured with maximal voluntary contraction and tetanic force using electrical stimulation.
Biofreeze resulted in significantly less pain compared to ice, causing a 63% reduction in pain perception. While there was no significant difference between Biofreeze and ice on More >
A better way to prescribe shoulder rehab exercise intensity?
Aug 31st
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 rate their perceived exertion using the OMNI-RES scale during several common shoulder exercises that were performed with both Thera-Band More >
Listen to TRAC Research Podcasts
Aug 28th
The Academy’s Scientific Advisory Committee, TRAC, presented 26 research projects on Thera-Band and Biofreeze products last month in San Francisco. I recently did a series of podcasts with some of our researchers to discuss their projects and findings. Listen to top researchers such as David Behm, Robert Topp and Todd Ellenbecker describe their methods and conclusions. In the next few weeks on the blog, look for articles on the most clinically relevant studies presented at TRAC to answer these questions:
- Is there a better exercise for trapezius muscle balance?
- Can we use perceived exertion to dose elastic exercise intensity?
- How can we better prescribe shoulder rehab exercise intensity?
- Can high-intensity training improve throwing performance?
- How does Biofreeze compare to ice after delayed onset muscle soreness?
- Is the Stretching Strap as effective as partner stretching?
- How can we reduce shoulder-neck pain and headaches in office workers?
- Can Biofreeze help reduce pain and improve function in knee osteoarthritis?
- Are foam rollers effective at improving flexibility?
- Does Biofreeze reduce hand pain after massage?
- What’s the best progression of exercises after Achilles tendon reconstruction?
Academy Research Agenda released for 2012
Aug 27th
Each year, the Thera-Band Academy and its Scientific Advisory Board, TRAC, establish a research agenda to guide efforts in scientific study on Thera-Band and Biofreeze products. The Academy supports clinical research around the world with no-charge products. The agenda focuses on areas of both clinical and commercial value:
- Qualitative analysis of Thera-Band color-coded progression in terms of motivation, compliance, etc
- EMG and outcomes analysis of progressive balance training with Stability Trainers
- EMG/Biomechanical analysis of FlexBar oscillation
- Effectiveness of hand therapy at home with Thera-Band products
- Effectiveness of Thera-Band stretch strap
- Effectiveness of “active engagement” with Thera-Band or Stretch Strap combined with massage on muscle length
- Effectiveness of eccentric stretch on plantar fasciitis with Stretch Strap or Thera-Band
- Effectiveness of Biofreeze application on joint mobilization
- Effectiveness of Biofreeze on low back pain, neck/shoulder pain, foot pain, and hand pain; with or without massage
Students, clinicians, and researchers are encouraged to submit an application for product support to address the research agenda. For more information, visit the Supported Research page at Thera-BandAcademy.com.
