Research and News
Posts tagged exercise prescription
Are unstable surfaces appropriate for rehabilitation of low back pain patients?
Jun 15th
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Unstable surfaces have been suggested to be used in training trunk and core stability. However, the use of unstable surfaces in training has come under question lately with research suggesting lower levels of activation compared to stable surfaces (Behm et al., 2010). The instability requires additional muscle activation to maintain stability. Therapists sometimes prescribe exercises using unstable surfaces such as Thera-Band® Stability Trainers and Stability Discs for patients with low back pain.
Researchers measured trunk muscle activity, lumbar range of motion, and balance during 5 common lumbar stabilization exercises performed on stable and unstable surfaces using an inflatable disk: quadruped, side bridge, modified push-up, squat, and shoulder flexion.
They found that patients with low back pain had adaptive recruitment patterns while maintaining similar levels of balance and lumbar range of motion compared to healthy subjects. There was little increase in electromyographic (EMG) activation among low back pain patients between the stable and unstable surface, and some exercises actually increased lumbar range of motion on unstable surfaces, which is not desirable during lumbar stabilization exercise. Based on these findings, the researchers questioned the need and More >
Researchers in Spain investigate Thera-Band training programs
Jun 10th
Part 3 of “Thera-Band Academy well-represented at ACSM annual meeting”
Researchers in Spain have shown that Thera-Band® elastic resistance is as effective as weight machines in improving strength in middle-aged women. They wanted to compare the effectiveness of elastic resistance training to weight machines and aquatic resistance exercises. 72 postmenopausal women were assigned to one of those 3 groups or a control group for 10 weeks, twice a week. They were tested for upper body, lower body and abdominal strength before and after the program. All 3 training groups significantly improved in their strength, supporting the use of different devices for short-term strength gains in postmenopausal women.
- Garcia-Masso et al. 2011. Use of different resistance training devices and its effects in the fitness of postmenopausal women. (Abstract). Med Sci Sports Exerc. 43(5):S579.
The Spanish researchers noted that one of the difficulties in using elastic resistance in training studies is the ability to quantify intensity of training, which also leads to difficulties in quantifying intensity of progression. Researchers have shown that using perceived exertion ratings such as the Borg RPE or OMNI-RES Scales can be effective at providing and progressing an appropriate training intensity; however, the validity of using the OMNI scale has not been More >
Thera-Band exercises can improve fitness and function in older women
Jan 26th
As women age, the transition to menopause often results in an increase in body fat and a reduction in muscle mass. This change in body composition is also associated with a decline in function and an increase in physical disability. German researchers evaluated the effectiveness of an exercise program for community-dwelling older females they developed called “Senior Fitness and Prevention Study.” Their results were published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine.
246 women (average age 69 years old) were randomly assigned to either a well-rounded, multi-component exercise program or a sedentary control group. The exercise group participated in an 18-month program consisting of 2 supervised sessions (60 minutes) and 2 home sessions (20 minutes) per week. Exercises included aerobic dance, stretching, balance exercises, and strengthening exercises with body weight and resistance bands. Intensity was increased throughout the program.
The attendance of the group exercise program was relatively high at 76%. Compared to the control group, the exercise group significantly improved in body composition, reducing fat and increasing muscle mass. In conclusion, the authors noted that the exercise program’s “minimal technological equipment ensured its successful implementation.” Older women can benefit from a well-rounded exercise program including Thera-Band® resistance bands to improve body composition, More >
Clinical management of “frozen shoulder” features Thera-Band products
Jan 19th
Frozen shoulder, or “adhesive capsulitis,” affects nearly 5% of the population. It remains a painful, debilitating and difficult-to-treat diagnosis. Dr. Phil Page and Andre Labbe published a paper in the North American Journal of Sports Physical Therapy that reviewed the current concepts in physical therapy treatment for frozen shoulder patients. They reviewed interventions such as modalities, passive motion, manual techniques, soft tissue mobilization, kinesiological taping, and therapeutic exercise. The Thera-Band® Shoulder Sling exercise was featured as a way to help restore normal motor patterns of the trapezius during abduction in frozen shoulder patients.
REFERENCE: Page P, Labbe A. Adhesive capsulitis: use the evidence to integrate your interventions. 2010. N Am J Sports Phys Ther. 5(4):266-273.
Visit the Thera-Band Academy Frozen Shoulder Resource Center
Wobble board exercises can reduce ankle injuries in soccer players
Jan 18th
Neuromuscular training has long been performed in Europe as part of sports training and injury prevention. Neuromuscular training involves progressive balance training using unstable surfaces such as Thera-Band® Stability Trainers, Stability Discs, and Balance Boards. Several studies have reported that proprioceptive exercises and training reduce injuries in athletes.
Researchers in Hungary evaluated the effects of a 20-month proprioceptive training program in 10 female handball players. Their ankle proprioception was compared to a control group of 10 competitive athletes. The program included static and dynamic balance exercises using wobble boards. At the end of 20 months, the training group had completed 780 hours of the proprioceptive exercise. Their ankle proprioception, measured by ankle joint position sense, was significantly better compared to the control group. In addition, the training group experienced a 50% reduction in injuries. Proprioceptive training progression including Thera-Band Wobble Boards can improve ankle proprioception and may decrease ankle injury rates in contact sports.
REFERENCE: Kynsburg A, Pánics G, Halasi T. Long-term neuromuscular training and ankle joint position sense. Acta Physiol Hung. 2010 Jun;97(2):183-91.
