Fall Prevention Conference Features Thera-Band Products

Dr. Phil Page — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 01:46:03 +0000

Dr. Michael Rogers, Chair and Professor of the Department of Human Performance Studies at Wichita State University recently gave several presentations at the Louisiana Fall Prevention Conference in Lafayette. The conference, sponsored by the Louisiana Office of Public Health, was attended by over 60 representatives of healthcare, government, and senior centers. In addition to providing the keynote address, Dr. Rogers demonstrated his scientifically-proven fall prevention program, Standing Strong in several workshops. The Standing Strong program features Thera-Band products such as elastic bands and Stability Trainers to progressively challenge the systems controlling balance. Rogers noted, “Standing Strong is a practical and easy-to-implement program using readily available equipment. We use the elastic bands for both strength training and balance training because they are so convenient and versatile.” See photos from the event here from Flikr.

Simple Exercises to Prevent Falls

Dr. Phil Page — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 15:14:23 +0000

Researchers in Portugal investigated the effects of 2 simple strengthening exercises using Thera-Band® resistance bands. The randomized, controlled study , published in Geriatrics and Gerontology International, included 48 institutionalized older adults. Subjects were tested before and after the program on ankle strength, functional mobility, and balance. The 2 exercises, ankle dorsiflexion and plantarflexion, were performed 3 times a week for 6 weeks, and gradually progressed by increasing the color level of the Thera-Band resistance.

Thera-Band Ankle Plantarflexion

After 6 weeks, the researchers found significant increases in ankle strength (dorsiflexion and plantarflexion), as well as significant increases in functional mobility and balance. The gain in ankle strength was significantly associated with improvement in dynamic balance. There was no significant change in the control group. The researchers concluded, the low cost strength training program may provide a ”modest degree of protection from injurious falls among these institutionalized older adults.”

Riberio et al. Impact of low cost strength training of dorsi- and plantar flexors on balance and functional mobility in institutionalized elderly people.Geriatr Gerontol Int. 2009 Mar;9(1):75-80.

Academy Blog » falls

Fall Prevention Conference Features Thera-Band Products

Simple Exercises to Prevent Falls