Biomechanics of elastic resistance in therapeutic exercise programs

• Published in: The journal of orthopaedic and sports physical therapy Vol. 31; no. 1; pp. 16 - 24
• Main Authors: Simoneau, G G, Bereda, S M, Sobush, D C, Starsky, A J
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States 01-01-2001
• Subjects: Biomechanical Phenomena; Equipment Design; Humans; Manufactured Materials; Materials Testing; Physical Therapy Modalities; Shoulder Joint - injuries; Tensile Strength
• ISSN: 0190-6011; 1938-1344
• DOI: 10.2519/jospt.2001.31.1.16

Resistive materials in the form of elastic bands and tubing are inexpensive and highly versatile tools that are often used in therapeutic exercise programs. Companies that manufacture elastic bands and tubing provide a line of products that cover a wide range of resistance levels, which are typically distinguished by color. Theoretically, the spectrum of resistance levels makes it possible for rehabilitation personnel to give a patient the band or tubing that best corresponds to the suitable degree of exercise resistance for that patient. Unlike a set of clearly labeled hand-held weights, however, elastic bands and tubing provide no quantitative information on their actual or relative resistance. Therefore, the selection and progression of resistance levels when elastic bands or tubing are used is relatively subjective and often is dependent upon the perceived effort of the patient. To our knowledge, only 2 of the several manufacturers of elastic bands and tubing used in rehabilitation (The Hygenic Corporation, Akron, Ohio, and Lifeline International, Inc, Madison, Wis), provide users with information (limited) on the physical characteristics of their elastic material.