Academy Blog » research

New FlexBar Exercise: “Tyler Twist” effective for Tennis Elbow

Dr. Phil Page — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 06:20:02 +0000

Tim Tyler PT, ATC from Pro Sports PT in Scarsdale New York, investigated a novel exercise using the Thera-Band® FlexBar for tennis elbow. “We know that eccentric exercise is very effective at treating tendinopathies such as tennis elbow,” said Tyler. His exercise, the “Tyler Twist” involves eccentric wrist extension, and was easily performed at home for 3 sets of 15 repetitions. Compared to patients receiving standard treatment, those performing the FlexBar exercise along with standard treatment had significantly greater improvements in strength and pain. “We had to stop the study early because we didn’t feel it was ethical that people weren’t getting better on the standard treatment protocol alone, so we gave everyone the FlexBar exercise,” said Tyler. His findings were presented in July at the American Orthopedic Society for Sports Medicine and received attention from the international press. “Using the FlexBar for tennis elbow is not only clinically effective, it’s cost-effective as well,” added Tyler. He presented his findings at the TRAC 2009 meeting in Cancun, Mexico. Read the research abstract here.

Visit the Thera-Band Academy Tennis Elbow Center here.

11th Annual Thera-Band Research Advisory Committee

Dr. Phil Page — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 15:30:53 +0000

The 11^th annual Thera-Band Research Advisory Committee (TRAC) meeting was held July 25-27, 2009 in Cancun, Mexico. 13 international researchers and clinicians met for 3 days to present and discuss research on Thera-Band® and Biofreeze® products. The diverse group from 4 countries included physical therapists, occupational therapist, chiropractors, physicians, and university professors. Check out photos from the meeting here. TRAC members presented 17 research projects on a variety of topics from EMG to clinical outcomes. “Our TRAC research helps support evidence-based practice, which improves clinical decision making with our products.” said Phil Page, PT ATC, Director of Education and Research. The mission of the Thera-Band Academy is to support research, education, and practice. “In the past 11 years of TRAC, we’ve built a tremendous synergy from professionals with different backgrounds and nationalities that adds to our body of knowledge,” added Page. Download the Research Proceedings and link to abstracts here.

TRAC 2009

Ashish Babhulkar MD (India)

Bart Bishop PT (USA)

Juan Colado PhD (Spain)

Todd Ellenbecker PT (USA)

Andre Labbe PT (USA)

Sue Falsone PT, ATC (USA)

Jay Greenstein DC (USA)

Thomas Hyde DC (USA)

Michael Rogers PhD (USA)

Bob Topp PhD RN (USA)

Pam Toto OT (USA)

Tim Tyler PT ATC (USA)

Leo Wang PT (China)

Over 40 research projects supported around the world

Dr. Phil Page — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 01:39:59 +0000

The Academy is proud to sponsor over 40 independent research projects from 12 different countries using Thera-Band and Biofreeze products. Researchers in Europe, Australia, Brazil, and India are helping to add practical knowledge about Performance Health products.
The most recent additions to our supported studies include:

Effects of an exercise program in the physical condition of individuals submitted to hepatic transplant by Familial Amyloidotic Polyneuropathy (Technical University in Lisbon, Portugal)
Effect of high-intensity resistance training with dumbbells versus elastic tubing on work-related neck/shoulder (National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Copenhagen Denmark)
Using the power of the internet to provide social support to older adults engaged in a well-rounded exercise program (Wichita State University)

To date, over 160 abstracts, presentations, and papers have been completed and added to the database as a result of the Academy’s research support program.