Industry News for Performance Health

Novel Thera-Band Exercise Reduces Pain and Improves Function in Knee Osteoarthritis Patients

Akron, Ohio – June 30, 2012 - Researchers in Taiwan recently created a novel exercise program for older adults suffering with knee osteoarthritis utilizing Thera-Band® Resistance Bands. The study, conducted on older women with mild-to-moderate knee osteoarthritis, showed significant improvements in the Thera-Band exercise group compared to the control group in a chair-stand, 10-minute walk, and timed-up-and-go tests. The Thera-Band exercise group also significantly improved in their WOMAC scores for pain, stiffness and function compared to the control group.

The exercise program utilizes three progressive colors of Thera-Band resistance bands—yellow, red and green—in various combinations to provide an appropriate resistance level for a unique sitting leg press exercise.

Forty-one female patients with mild-to-moderate knee osteoarthritis were randomly assigned to either an exercise group or control group. Both groups received electrical modality treatments to their knees, as well as ice when needed.

The researchers further noted that the Thera-Band resistance band leg press exercise was effective in knee osteoarthritis patients compared to other studies using a leg press machine. They stated that, "leg press machines cannot easily be transported or widely used, and they cannot flexibly adjust the intensity compared to the elastic bands. In addition, for those who suffer from osteoarthritis pain, the elastic bands are safer for adjusting the intensity."

In conclusion, this novel leg press exercise with Thera-Band elastic bands can significantly improve pain and function in older women with mild-to-moderate knee osteoarthritis.

Visit the Thera-Band Academy Knee Osteoarthritis Resource Center Here

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About the Academy
The Thera-Band® Academy was formed to scientifically document the benefits of resistance exercise and pain relief, guide the company in its development of new products and exercise programs, and to promote therapeutic exercise and pain management through professional and consumer education. The Academy web site is a unique resource that connects healthcare professionals and consumers to the protocols, research and education in the world.

About Performance Health
Featuring leading brands like Thera-Band®, Biofreeze® and Pedigenix® Foot Care System, Performance Health offers a broad portfolio of products for the therapy, rehabilitation, wellness, massage, podiatric and performance markets. In addition to market-leading products, Performance Health provides practice building support, evidence-based protocols, clinical and product education, turn-key dispensing and pain management solutions.

REFERENCE: The WOMAC, Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index, is a widely accepted, proprietary set of standardized questionnaires used by health professionals to evaluate the condition of patients with osteoarthritis of the knee and hip, including pain, stiffness, and physical functioning of the joints.

REFERENCE: Chang TF, Liou TH, Chen CH, Huang YC, Chang KH. Effects of elastic-band exercise on lower-extremity function among female patients with osteoarthritis of the knee. Disabil Rehabil. 2012 Mar 8. [Epub ahead of print]

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