Thera-Band® resistance band exercises are commonly used in rehabilitation of shoulder impingement. In fact, nearly 75% (9 out of 13) of the studies in a systematic review of physiotherapy exercises for impingement included elastic resistance exercise for the rotator cuff and scapula. In their review, Kromer and colleagues found that passive treatments (such as modalities only) are not effective and cannot be justified when treating shoulder impingement.

The authors found that physiotherapist-led exercises were as effective as surgery for shoulder impingement. In addition, home-based exercises were as effective as physiotherapy interventions, although manual therapy in the clinic may provide additional short-term relief. Based on these conclusions, Thera-Band resistance band exercises in the clinic or home can be an effective and safer alternative to surgery.

Kromer TO, et al. Effects of physiotherapy in patients with shoulder impingement syndrome: a systematic review of the literature. J Rehabil Med. 2009;41(11):870-80.

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In a study published in the Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, researchers compared squatting with equivalent work loads of elastic-resisted and isotonic free-weight squats in trained weight lifters. Subjects squatted with each type of resistance while muscle activity and biomechanical variables were measured. The band-resisted squats resulted in higher force, velocity, power, and quadriceps muscle activity near the top of the squat, which includes the first part of the eccentric phase, as well as the last part of the concentric phase.

The researchers concluded that elastic resistance produces similar resistance patterns as standard free weights, except at the bottom of the squat, where the bands are on less stretch and thus, less tension.  More importantly, the researchers stated that elastic band squats “resulted in a kinetic and kinematic pattern similar to that of ballistic movement used for power training.” Although not proven in this study, using elastic resistance during the squat may maximize power output. The Thera-Band® Exercise Station may be an effective tool at improving muscular power because the elastic tubing produces highest amounts of resistance with maximal leverage at the top of the squat.

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Reference: Israetel MA, et al. Kinetic and kinematic differences between squats performed with and without elastic bands. J Strength Cond Res. 2010 Jan;24(1):190-4.

McMaster et al. 2009. J Strength Cond Res. 31(1):50-64.