Academy Blog
Research and News
Thera-Band exercise program helps reduce knee pain
Jul 3rd
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Patellofemoral pain syndrome results in chronic anterior knee pain, and is often associated with delayed and reduced activation of the vastus medialis oblique (VMO) muscle. Therapeutic exercise is often prescribed to help improve the strength and onset timing of the VMO. Patellar taping is also used in managing anterior knee pain, and is often worn by the patient throughout the day.
Researchers in Turkey wanted to see if an exercise program for patients with patellofemoral pain syndrome could be effective with shorter tape application times (tape worn only during exercise sessions versus worn all day long). First, they compared the VMO muscle activation of 12 men with patellofemoral pain syndrome to 16 healthy controls. The patient group had significantly slower activation of the VMO compared to the control group, as well as significantly reduced strength and activation levels of the affected side compared to the unaffected side.
The 3 month home exercise program for patellofemoral pain syndrome used patellar taping only while exercises were performed, 3 times per day for 30 minutes per session. The progressive exercise program used Thera-Band® Exercise Bands and Stability Trainers. After the More >
Systematic review supports balance training
Jul 1st
Balance training using unstable surfaces such as Thera-Band Stability Trainers and Rocker / Wobble Boards continue to increase in popularity both in rehabilitation and sports performance. In addition, balance training has been shown to be beneficial in preventing injuries across the lifespan, from athletes to older adults.
German researchers published a systematic review of the efficacy of balance training for neuromuscular control and performance enhancement in the Journal of Athletic Training. 20 randomized clinical trials of balance training met their inclusion criteria for the review. As with many systematic reviews, the authors noted a lack of methodological quality and conflicting findings between studies. Nonetheless, they were able to make some conclusions:
- Balance training is effective at improving static postural sway and dynamic balance in both athletes and non-athletes.
- Balance exercises are recommended for postural and neuromuscular improvements, particularly for rehabilitation and preventive purposes.
- To improve strength, jumping or sports performance other interventions such as strength training are more effective than balance training.
- Longer balance training durations of 6 to 12 weeks seem more effective than shorter (4 week) durations.
The authors concluded that further research with higher methodological quality is needed to establish the efficacy and dose-response of balance training for functional performance.
USA Today features Thera-Band Neck and Shoulder Pain Exercise Research Study
Jun 30th
The USA Today featured a story on research from Dr. Lars Andersen in Denmark using Thera-Band® tubing to reduce neck and shoulder pain in office workers. For more information the study including links to download, visit the Academy’s webpage on Neck Pain Exercise here. You can also view the video of the exercise below:
Rotator cuff patients benefit from Thera-Band exercises
Jun 29th
Rotator cuff disease is the most common cause of shoulder pain in primary care (Ostor et al. 2005) and includes diagnoses such as bursitis, impingement, and rotator cuff tendinosis. Several studies featured in the Academy Blog have described how effective Thera-Band® exercises are in treating shoulder conditions, particularly when combined with manual therapy.
Researchers in Australia completed an extensive study on patients with rotator cuff disease over 3 ½ years and published their findings in the British Medical Journal. 120 patients in Melbourne meeting eligibility criteria were randomly assigned to either a home exercise and manual therapy or a placebo-controlled group receiving only sham ultrasound. 14 experienced physiotherapists at 12 centers were trained to provide both interventions.
The intervention program was published in a separate paper in 2007. Download their protocol here. The exercise and manual therapy group received 10 sessions of individualized standard treatment over 10 weeks including a twice-daily home exercise program with Thera-Band exercise bands. At the end of the first 10 weeks, there was no significant difference in pain or function between the experimental and control groups; they both significantly improved.
They continued the home exercise each day for 12 weeks after the initial 10 visits. After 22 weeks, the exercise More >
New Thera-Band Innovations Web Site – Resource for Product Ideas
Jun 28th
(Akron, Ohio.) Performance Health, maker of market-leading Thera-Band and Biofreeze® products, has launched the Thera-Band Innovation website. This unique site enables healthcare professionals to propose new product ideas that could innovate their industry and reward them financially.
“Our success as a company is based on the success of the rehab professionals we serve. They have always been a source of great ideas to improve outcomes. The original idea behind the Thera-Band resistance band was actually brought to us by two physical therapists back in 1975. They were using our bulk dental dam product to enhance the effectiveness of their patients’ rehabilitation programs and wanted us to develop additional resistance levels,” stated Ethan Pochman, Director of Clinical Marketing. “We hope this new user-friendly site uncovers some great new products for both the rehab profession and the general consumer.”
The submission process is three simple steps. 1. Read and accept the terms of the Submission Agreement 2. Complete the submission form 3. Upload supporting files if applicable
Performance Health will evaluate all submissions. If interested in the idea, the Company will contact the submitting individual for further discussion.
