Resistance Properties of Thera-Band® Tubing During Shoulder Abduction Exercise

Abstract

Kenneth Hurd, DP7; MS, ATC2 Allan )ones, DPP Stephen Sprigle, PhDStudy Design: Single-group, repeated measures. Objectives: To investigate the relationship between tubing length and tubing tension for 6 colors of Thera-Band tubing (each color representing a different level of resistance) and to estimate the resistive shoulder toque provided during shoulder abduction exercise. Background: Thera-Band tubing is popular for providing resistance in rehabilitation strengthening programs. Unfortunately, it is difficult to compare use of elastic tubing with other resistance training methods because no published data exist on how much resistance is being provided during exercise.Methods and Measures: Nine male and 6 female subjects (age, 25.9 + 3.6 years; height, 173 z 10 cm) performed shoulder abduction, using 6 colors of tubing. A strain gauge attached at the fixed end of the tubing directly measured the tension generated during stretch. For each color of tubing, each subject momentarily held a position at 30°, 60°, 90°, 120°, and 150" of abduction. Shoulder joint abduction, limb segment position, and tubing length were analyzed by means of the Peak Motion Measurement System. Simple linear regression equations predicted tubing tension from percent change in tubing length at the joint angle positions. A 2-way (5 X 6) repeated-measures ANOVA determined the mean differences in tubing tension across tubing colors at the shoulder abduction positions. Results: Strong linear relationships were found for each tubing tension when referenced according to changes in tubing length. Significant differences in tension were found for the various colon of tubing. The resistive torque curves for each color tubing were similar to isotonic exercise. Conclusiom: Thera-Band tubing provides linear resistance during shoulder abduction, but the resistive torque provided by the tubing mimics isotonic exercise. ) Orthop Sports Phys Ther l999;29:4 13620.

Avaliação mecânica da resistência de faixas elásticas

“…the increase in length corresponded to a progressive increase in the elastic resistance and stiffness of the material in the color sequence: tan, yellow, red, green, blue, black, silver and gold. Furthermore, the results showed a mean value of r 2 equal to 0.95, in agreement with Hughes et al 2 and Page, Labbe and Topp 10 who also found a linear force-deformation relationship with mean values of r 2 of 0.93 and 0.97, respectively. In this linear behavior, there was a 53.8% variation from the least resistant band (tan) to the most resistant band (gold).…”

“…Resistive elastic materials, such as bands and tubes, are low-cost and highly versatile tools often used in therapeutic exercise programs [1][2][3] . They are also convenient for patients to train at home using a variety of movement, including eccentric and concentric contractions 4 .…”

Comparison of Tension in Thera-Band and Cando Tubing

“…[1][2][3][4][5][6] In general, no appreciable differences in tension were found between Cando and Thera-Band brands of tubing of the same color except for the yellow and grey tubings. For these colors, performing the same exercise with Thera-Band tubing will lead to less resistance than using tubing made by Cando.…”

Analysis of lower limb force in foot work exercise of Pilates

“…In Pilates, exercise is performed on the Reformer apparatus, with the individual positioned in supine position with feet supported on a bar; this horizontal position reduces the action of gravity (13), being commonly used when the injured joint is not able to support the entire body weight (14). External overload occurs by the use of springs, through which the change in length (applied force), the type of material (elasticity modulus), and the cross section dictate the strength magnitude and the value of the stored potential energy (15). In this exercise, the spring is stretched during the knee extension movement, generating a gradual increase in resistance, and progressively decreases during the movement return in knee lexion.…”