Research and News
Posts tagged exercise prescription
Thera-Band exercises improve strength and quality of life in women with osteoporosis
Jan 17th
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Osteoporosis is characterized by loss of bone mass and is associated with an increased risk of fracture after falls, particularly in the hip and mid-back. Osteoporotic women are often physically frail as well, leading to disability. Weight-bearing and resistive exercises have been shown to reduce the loss of bone (as measured by bone mineral density).
Japanese researchers evaluated a home-based exercise program in 62 elderly osteoporotic women that were randomly assigned to either a control or exercise group. The exercise group completed the program daily at home using body weight resistance and an exercise band. (Download the osteoporosis exercise protocol here)
After the 12-month exercise program, the exercise group significantly increased in grip strength and gait speed. Quality of life also significantly improved in the exercise group, but not in the control group. There was no significant improvement in leg strength, and bone mineral density was not measured after the intervention. The authors concluded that home based training including Thera-Band® resistance bands was effective at improving strength and quality of life.
REFERENCE: Kanemaru A, Arahata K, Ohta T, Katoh T, Tobimatsu H, Horiuchi T.
Stroke survivors benefit from exercise
Jan 13th
Survivors of cerebrovascular accidents (also known as ‘strokes’) are often left with residual weakness and disability. Exercise training after stroke is gaining acceptance as a standard of care as more research supports its safety and efficacy. This pattern resembles what we observed after cardiac rehabilitation became popular following heart attacks: exercise is an essential part of recovery.
British researchers wanted to determine if a fall prevention program using Thera-Band® resistance products (Dyer et al. 2004) would be beneficial for stroke survivors as well. 243 stroke survivors (at least 3 months post stroke) were randomized into either a standard care control group or an 8-week, twice weekly group program including exercise and education. The exercises consisted of functional activities and resistance training using weights and Thera-Band resistance bands. The participants in the exercise group significantly increased their quality of life to a greater extent than the control group; this difference was maintained one year after the program as well. Thera-Band resistance bands can be safely used as part of a well-rounded exercise program for stroke survivors.
REFERENCE: Harrington R, Taylor G, Hollinghurst S, Reed M, Kay H, Wood VA. A community-based exercise and education scheme for stroke survivors: a randomized controlled trial and economic evaluation. Clin More >
Thera-Band Exercises Effective for Piriformis Syndrome
Jan 12th
Piriformis syndrome is a common cause of hip and leg pain, often producing symptoms of sciatic nerve entrapment. Physical therapists in Los Angeles published a case report in the Journal of Orthopedic and Sports Physical Therapy on a 30 year old male with a 2-year history of piriformis syndrome. A 3-month program that included 8 clinic visits with a daily home exercise program was prescribed:
- Phase I: Isolated muscle recruitment: bridge and clam exercise with looped band
- Phase II: Weight-bearing strengthening: squat, lateral step with looped band, 1 –leg sit to stand and step down
- Phase III: Functional training: lunges and jumps
After the physical therapy program, and at a one-year follow-up, the patient was pain-free, experiencing normal strength, and had returned to sport. The authors suggested that improved strength and performance of gluteus maximus reduced the demand on the piriformis and helped prevent hip motion that may have increased strain on the piriformis. A progressive, functional exercise program including Thera-Band resistance bands and band loops can be effective at reducing the symptoms of piriformis syndrome.
REFERENCE: Tonley JC, Yun SM, Kochevar RJ, Dye JA, Farrokhi S, Powers CM. Treatment of an individual with piriformis syndrome focusing on hip muscle strengthening and movement reeducation: a case report. J Orthop Sports More >
“Standing Strong” Fall Prevention Program features Thera-Band products
Jan 10th
As many as one-third of older adults suffer a fall each year, often leading to fractures, disability, and even death. Falls are the leading cause of injury death in older adults. Falls in older adults cost $19 billion in direct medical costs, posing a challenge to our healthcare system,.
Thera-Band Academy has supported the Standing Strong™ Fall Prevention Exercise Program for several years. The program, originally developed by Dr. Michael Rogers, chairman of Human Performance Studies at Wichita State University, utilizes Thera-Band® products including resistance bands, stability trainers, and exercise balls. Research has shown that the Standing Strong program is effective at improving strength, balance and function, as well as at reducing falls in older adults.
The Standing Strong program was featured in a recent issue of Topics in Geriatric Rehabilitation that focused on community-based exercise programs. The article describes the scientific basis for the program and its components, as well as its implementation. The program has 3 levels of implementation of a well-rounded exercise program, including flexibility, strength, balance, and endurance exercises using Thera-Band products. For more information on the program, visit http://www.standingstrongprogram.com/
REFERENCE: Page P. Standing Strong. Bringing evidence to practice for a community-based fall prevention exercise program. 2010. Topics in Geriatric Rehabilitation 26(4):335-352.
Exercises for stroke survivors improve strength and function
Jan 7th
Cerebrovascular accidents (CVA) often lead to disability and sometimes death due to lack of oxygen to different parts of the brain. These are also known more commonly as a “stroke,” and can cause weakness of the trunk and extremities, usually on the side opposite the brain damage. For example, a stroke affecting the left side of the brain will result in weakness to the right arm and leg.
Historically, resistance exercise was rarely used in stroke patients for fear of increasing muscle spasticity. Instead, rehabilitation focused on assisting with functional tasks and maintaining muscle range of motion. With the advances in stroke recognition and treatment, and the subsequent increase in those surviving a stroke, stroke survivors (estimated at 6 million survivors) are often left with residual weakness and functional disability. Therefore, strength training is now recommended for ambulatory stroke survivors.
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