Researchers at the University of Kentucky developed a progressive balance training program for patients with chronic ankle instability. The program lasted 4 weeks and focused on dynamic balance stabilization in single-leg stance. Exercises included progressions in hops and single-leg balance using foam pads and 6-pound medicine balls. The results of their first study, published in Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise in 2008, found that their program significantly improved function and postural control in chronic ankle sprain patients. In their more recent study, 29 subjects with chronic ankle instability were randomly assigned to either an exercise group or control group. The authors reported improvements in gait kinematics, specifically the coupling of rearfoot and lower leg motion during walking. The researchers noted that the changes in gait kinematics following the exercise program were likely due to changes in sensorimotor function resulting from the 4- week balance training program, particularly since ligamentous laxity did not change.

In summary, a 4-week progressive balance training program implementing hops and single-leg balance exercises with Thera-Band Stability Trainers can help improve balance, function, and kinematics in patients with chronic ankle instability.

REFERENCES:

McKeon PO, et al. Effects of balance training on gait parameters in patients with chronic ankle instability: a randomized controlled trial. Clin Rehabil. 2009 Jul;23(7):609-21. Epub 2009 May 15.

McKeon PO, et al. Balance training improves function and postural control in those with chronic ankle instability. Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2008 Oct;40(10):1810-9.

Visit the Thera-Band Academy Stability Training Portal here

Researchers at the University of Toledo performed a systematic review of functional exercise interventions for their effectiveness. They identified 6 studies that met their criteria for the review, including 4 that used balance boards and elastic resistance strengthening. The researchers concluded that functional rehabilitation improves dynamic balance and self-reported function in patients with chronic ankle sprains. The exercise programs from the reviewed studies generally lasted 4 to 6 weeks and were performed 3 to 5 times a week. Finally, they pointed out that wobble board training in rehabilitation programs is “supported by the literature”; therefore, Thera-Band balance boards should be a standard component of chronic ankle instability rehabilitation program.

REFERENCE Webster KA, Gribble PA. Functional rehabilitation interventions for chronic ankle instability: a systematic review. J Sport Rehabil. 2010 Feb;19(1):98-114.

Visit the Thera-Band Academy Ankle Sprain resource center here

105 patients were randomly assigned to a control group or physical therapy group after an average of 6 weeks in a plaster cast. The control group received “usual care”: advice and self-directed exercise. While 76% of subjects in the control group also attended physical therapy sessions on their own, their exercises were not the standardized program of the experimental group.

The physical therapy program began 1 week after cast removal and lasted 12 weeks, with 2 sessions per week. Patients also performed exercises at home between physical therapy visits. The neuromuscular training program consisted of range of motion (ROM) exercises, strengthening, balance training, and closed-kinetic chain exercises. Patients used Thera-Band® resistance bands for ankle strengthening exercises as well as wobble board and mini-trampoline exercises for balance training.  Download the article and exercise protocol from the Academy here.

After 12 weeks, the physical therapy group showed improved results compared to the control group in patients under 40 years old. The physical therapy group had significant improvements in subjective function and muscle strength, but not in other measures of physical function. There was no significant difference in radiologic outcomes at 12 months post.  The lack of significance in several variables may be explained by the fact that 76% of the control group also received physical therapy.  Interestingly, older patients (greater than 40 years old) did not benefit as much as younger patients; it’s possible that older patients need more time for rehabilitation and recovery following ankle fracture.

In conclusion, Thera-Band resistance bands and balance boards are effective for rehabilitation following surgery for ankle fracture.

REFERENCE: Nilsson GM, Jonsson K, Ekdahl CS, Eneroth M.Effects of a training program after surgically treated ankle fracture: a prospective randomised controlled trial. BMC Musculoskelet Disord. 2009 Sep 25;10:118.

Visit the Thera-Band Academy Ankle Fracture Resource Center here

“Unlike conventional pulleys, the Thera-Band Shoulder Pulley features a unique rope that’s divided into sections by distinct black marks. By referencing the position of these marks during exercise, patients get immediate feedback on progress. This visual feedback validates that they are improving, which is key to patient motivation,” stated Anna Schrock, Product Manager for Performance Health / Hygenic Corporation. “The marked rope also allows the rehab professional to set precise goals and limitations so that patients know how far to go and where to stop.”

“The ability to move the shoulder joint is vital for functionality in everyday physical activities, and anyone from weekend athletes to gardeners to do-it-yourself painters can experience shoulder problems,” added Phil Page, PhD, PT, ATC, CSCS, director of clinical education and research for the Thera-Band Academy. “We commonly see limited range of motion in post-operative rotator cuff tear repairs, shoulder reconstruction, and frozen shoulder, or ‘adhesive capsulitis’ patients. Physical therapy and therapeutic exercise are the keys to successful outcomes in these patients, and the Thera-Band Shoulder Pulley is a unique tool that offers clinicians and patients visual representation of their progress.”

In addition to the marked rope, other features enhance this exciting new product. The Thera-Band Shoulder Pulley can be anchored at any point along a standard door jamb to accommodate a wide range of exercises. The adjustable rope length offers custom fit and versatility, and the soft foam handles provide superior comfort during use.

The shoulder pulley can be used during clinic visits or as part of a clinician prescribed home exercise program.  Sample exercises videos and additional product information can be viewed at info.Thera-BandAcademy.com/shoulderpulley.

“The Thera-Band System of Progressive exercise is the foundation of our business, and our products have been trusted by rehabilitation professionals for over 30 years,” continued Ms. Schrock. “We are pleased to introduce yet another product to the internationally recognized trusted-progression Thera-Band family.”

At 4 weeks post-op, patients performed a multi-modal rehabilitation program once a week for 4 to 6 weeks. The treatment protocol included edema control, joint mobilization, soft tissue mobilization, and gait training. In addition, patients performed exercises with Thera-Band® resistance bands.  The specific exercises were designed to reduce pressure on the metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joints. Patients had to flex the MTP joints without bending the distal and proximal interphalangeal (IP) joints; then the exercise was combined with active pronation.

After rehabilitation, patients improved in range of motion and plantar pressure distribution; however, the study was limited by the lack of a control group. Subsequent studies should include a control group to identify specific effects of the intervention.

The results of this study indicate that physical therapy (including Thera-Band® exercises) following hallux valgus osteotomy may improve function and weight-bearing of the first ray, resulting in improved gait and function.

REFERENCE: Schuh R, et al. Rehabilitation after hallux valgus surgery: importance of physical therapy to restore weight bearing of the first ray during the stance phase. Phys Ther. 2009 Sep;89(9):934-45.

Visit the Thera-Band Academy Hallux Valgus Resource Center Here