Research and News
TRAC 2009
First Step to Active Health® effective for both group- and home-based programs
Aug 11th
Michael Rogers, PhD of Wichita State University, discussed 2 studies on the Thera-Band® First Step to Active Health® recently presented at the American College of Sports Medicine. Working with researchers from Nagoya City University in Japan, Rogers investigated the effects of 12 weeks of the First Step program on functional fitness in older adults. They found significant improvements in function and balance, as well as increased overall physical activity after the program. In addition, the researchers found that the program was successful when performed supervised in a group or unsupervised at home. “The First Step program is a highly effective program for either home or group based exercise in older adults. Our next step is to evaluate the impact of Internet-based feedback on the program,” said Rogers. Dr. Rogers presented his findings at the TRAC 2009 meeting in Cancun, Mexico. Read the research abstract here.
Visit the Thera-Band Academy Older Adult Exercise Center here.
Biofreeze® is better than ice for neck pain
Aug 10th
Bart Bishop, DPT of Sport and Spine Rehab in Rockville, Maryland compared Biofreeze® topical analgesic and ice application to patients with bilateral neck pain. Bishop stated, “We’ve used both ice and Biofreeze in our neck patients, but never had any evidence to support using one versus the other.” He found that both modalities reduced pain significantly, but patients preferred the Biofreeze application 8 to 1 compared to ice. The Biofreeze treatment lasted longer in 9 out of 10 patients, with twice as much pain reduction compared to ice. “Now that we know how effective Biofreeze is, we are going to continue including it as a standard treatment for neck pain patients and start investigating its effectiveness in other patient populations. We also think that using Biofreeze can help improve patient compliance and retention as so many more of them felt comfortable with the treatment.” Dr. Bishop presented his findings at the TRAC 2009 meeting in Cancun, Mexico. Read the research abstract here.
Best head position for Soft Weight shoulder exercise?
Aug 7th
Todd Ellenbecker, DPT of Physiotherapy Associates in Scottsdale, Arizona sought to determine the best position for head during a commonly-prescribed shoulder exercise using Thera-Band® Soft Weights. Prone horizontal abduction and prone shoulder external rotation at 90° were performed with the head in three different positions: neutral and rotated toward or away from the exercising shoulder. Ellenbecker, director of Sports Medicine for the ATP tour commented, “We use this exercise quite a bit in our professional tennis players. This study will help us make better clinical decisions about our exercise prescription.”
Dr. Ellenbecker examined the electromyographic (EMG) activity of the upper trapezius during each exercise and found no significant difference in upper trapezius activation between head positions; however, the lowest level of activation was seen with the head rotated toward the exercising shoulder. “Since we would prefer to minimize activation of the upper trapezius muscle during this rehabilitation exercise, it appears best to have the patient turn the head toward the shoulder we are exercising.” said Ellenbecker. Dr. Ellenbecker presented his findings at the TRAC 2009 meeting in Cancun, Mexico. Read the research abstract here.
Biofreeze® versus Ice: Blood Flow and Muscle Performance
Aug 7th
Robert Topp, PhD RN from the University of Louisville compared Biofreeze® topical analgesic and ice on blood flow, pain and muscle performance of the upper extremity in healthy subjects. He found a decrease in blood flow in the radial artery 5 minutes after applying Biofreeze to the forearm. In a separate trial the application of ice reduced blood flow only 20 minutes after application. The application of Biofreeze resulted in a decrease in blood flow sooner than the ice application. At 20 minutes following the application of these treatments, the trial involving the Biofreeze demonstrated significantly greater muscle function compared to the application of ice. “While both ice and Biofreeze decrease blood flow, it is possible that Biofreeze’s mechanism of action may prevent the performance deficits associated with ice application,” said Topp. Additional study needs to be completed to determine the differential effects of ice versus Biofreeze on blood flow and muscle performance. Dr. Topp presented his findings at the TRAC 2009 meeting in Cancun, Mexico. Read the research abstract here.
11th Annual Thera-Band Research Advisory Committee
Aug 6th
The 11th annual Thera-Band Research Advisory Committee (TRAC) meeting was held July 25-27, 2009 in Cancun, Mexico. 13 international researchers and clinicians met for 3 days to present and discuss research on Thera-Band® and Biofreeze® products. The diverse group from 4 countries included physical therapists, occupational therapist, chiropractors, physicians, and university professors. Check out photos from the meeting here. TRAC members presented 17 research projects on a variety of topics from EMG to clinical outcomes. “Our TRAC research helps support evidence-based practice, which improves clinical decision making with our products.” said Phil Page, PT ATC, Director of Education and Research. The mission of the Thera-Band Academy is to support research, education, and practice. “In the past 11 years of TRAC, we’ve built a tremendous synergy from professionals with different backgrounds and nationalities that adds to our body of knowledge,” added Page. Download the Research Proceedings and link to abstracts here.
TRAC 2009
Ashish Babhulkar MD (India)
Bart Bishop PT (USA)
Juan Colado PhD (Spain)
Todd Ellenbecker PT (USA)
Andre Labbe PT (USA)
Sue Falsone PT, ATC (USA)
Jay Greenstein DC (USA)
Thomas Hyde DC (USA)
Michael Rogers PhD (USA)
Bob Topp PhD RN (USA)
Pam Toto OT (USA)
Tim Tyler PT ATC (USA)
Leo Wang PT (China)
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