Research Roundup

Sadly, summer has come to an end. But fortunately for you, we have some exciting new research articles to cheer you up! You’ll be sure to stay busy checking out the next 107 articles that have been added.

Here’s a breakdown of the research topics you’ll find below:

A record 107 new research articles were added to TheraBand Academy in the 2nd quarter of 2018. You can view them by clicking here.

TheraBand: Lower Extremity

TheraBand: Back & Neck

TheraBand: Workplace

TheraBand: Older Adults

TheraBand: Special Populations

Soft Tissue Mobilization/Myofascial Rolling

Taping Techniques (Kinesiology Tape, Rigid Tape, Athletic Tape)

Jamar: Grip Strength

Biofreeze

TheraBand: Shoulder/Upper Extremity

Ahern M et al. The effectiveness of physical therapies for patients with base of thumb osteoarthritis: Systematic review and meta-analysis. Musculoskelet Sci Pract. 2018 Jun;35:46-54.

This meta-analysis found physical therapy treatments including splinting can result in meaningful improvements in pain and function in patients with thumb osteoarthritis.

Barrett E et al. An evaluation of two types of exercise classes, containing shoulder exercises or a combination of shoulder and thoracic exercises, for the treatment of nonspecific shoulder pain: A case series. J Hand Ther. 2018. 31(3):301-7.

This case series of patients with shoulder pain described positive benefits of an exercise program that used TheraBand resistance.

Clausen MB et al. The Strengthening Exercises in Shoulder Impingement trial (The SExSI-trial) investigating the effectiveness of a simple add-on shoulder strengthening exercise programme in patients with long-lasting subacromial impingement syndrome: Study protocol for a pragmatic, assessor blinded, parallel-group, randomised, controlled trial. Trials. 2018 Mar 2;19(1):154.

This study protocol describes an intervention including TheraBand resistance and the Bandcizer device for patients with shoulder impingement.

DeFroda SF et al. Physical Therapy Protocols for Arthroscopic Bankart Repair. Sports Health. 2018 May/Jun;10(3):250-258.

This descriptive review of published protocols for rehabilitation of arthroscopic Bankhart surgery showed high variability; elastic resistance exercise was the most commonly reported type of resistance exercise.

Ferrer GA, et al. Exercise therapy for treatment of supraspinatus tears does not alter glenohumeral kinematics during internal/external rotation with the arm at the side. Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthrosc. 2018 Jan;26(1):267-274.

A 12-week exercise program including elastic resistance significantly improved strength and patient-reported outcomes in 5 patients with full-thickness rotator cuff tears, without the need for surgery.

Granviken F et a l. Home exercises and supervised exercises are similarly effective for people with subacromial impingement: a randomised trial. J Physiother. 2015 Jul;61(3):135-41.

For shoulder impingement patients, a home-based exercise program with an initial supervised physiotherapy visit was as effective as 6 weeks of supervised rehabilitation.

Kang JI et al. Effect of scapular stabilization exercise on neck alignment and muscle activity in patients with forward head posture. J Phys Ther Sci. 2018 Jun;30(6):804-808.

This randomized controlled trial compared 4 weeks of scapular-focused exercise with 4 weeks of cervical stabilization exercises in subjects with forward head posture. Both interventions statistically improved postural measures of forward head and scapular muscle activation; however, the scapular exercise group had larger improvements in posture and muscle activation.

Kim MK et al. The effects of shoulder stabilization exercises and pectoralis minor stretching on balance and maximal shoulder muscle strength of healthy young adults with round shoulder posture. J Phys Ther Sci. 2018 Mar;30(3):373-380.

In this randomized, controlled trial, 4 weeks of shoulder stretching and exercise with elastic bands resulted in improved balance and strength in subjects with rounded shoulder posture.

Picha K et al. Calculation of Resistive Loads for Elastic Resistive Exercises. J Sport Rehabil. 2018 Mar 14:1-7.

In this technical report, the authors described a method of determining the initial elastic resistance dosing of RPE using isometric testing and a Smart Handle load cell.

Shin AR et al. Thera-Band application changes muscle activity and kyphosis and scapular winging during knee push-up plus in subjects with scapular winging: The cross-sectional study. Medicine (Baltimore). 2018 Apr;97(14):e0348.

The authors found that using TheraBand around the occiput or shoulders during a push-up was beneficial for subjects with scapular winging.

Vallés-Carrascosa E et al. Pain, motion and function comparison of two exercise protocols for the rotator cuff and scapular stabilizers in patients with subacromial syndrome. J Hand Ther. 2018 Apr - Jun;31(2):227-237.

This randomized controlled trial compared painful and non-painful eccentric exercises including elastic resistance, finding both types can improve pain, function and ROM in patients with subacromial pain.

Vuurberg G et al. Diagnosis, treatment and prevention of ankle sprains: update of an evidence-based clinical guideline. Br J Sports Med. 2018 Mar 7. pii: bjsports-2017-098106.

This paper provides updated multidisciplinary evidence-based clinical guidelines for preventing, diagnosing, and treating lateral ankle sprains

Zollinger C et al. Physical therapy management of an elite rock climber with subacromial impingement syndrome (SIS). Phys Ther Rehabil. 2018. 5(4):1-8.

This case report describes the management of an elite rock climber with shoulder impingement including elastic tubing.

TheraBand: Lower Extremity

Allen KD et al. Physical therapy vs internet-based exercise training for patients with knee osteoarthritis: results of a randomized controlled trial. Osteoarthritis Cartilage. 2018 Mar;26(3):383-396.

This study found both physical therapy and internet-based home exercise utilizing elastic resistance as more effective than a control group for patients with knee osteoarthritis.

Bennell KL et al. Efficacy of adding a physiotherapy rehabilitation programme to arthroscopic management of femoroacetabular impingement syndrome: a randomised controlled trial (FAIR). BMJ Open. 2017 Jun 23;7(6):e014658.

In this small RCT, post-operative physical therapy including TheraBand after arthroscopic surgery after femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) significantly improved patient outcomes at one year, but there was no significant difference compared to no rehabilitation at 24 months.

Burger M, et al. The effectiveness of proprioceptive and neuromuscular training compared to bracing in reducing the recurrence rate of ankle sprains in athletes: A systematic review and meta-analysis. J Back Musculoskelet Rehabil. 2018;31(2):221-229.

In this meta-analysis, researchers found both bracing or neuromuscular training with balance boards were effective at preventing recurrent ankle sprains; neither intervention was superior, although only 3 studies met inclusion criteria.

Davis AM et al. Cross-cultural adaptation and implementation of Good Life with osteoarthritis in Denmark (GLA:D™): group education and exercise for hip and knee osteoarthritis is feasible in Canada. Osteoarthritis Cartilage. 2018 Feb;26(2):211-219. 10.1016/j.joca.2017.11.005. Epub 2017 Nov 13.

This paper described a successful Canadian implementation of an evidence-based exercise program from Denmark (GLA:D) including TheraBand resistance for patients with severe hip or knee osteoarthritis.

Domínguez-Navarro F et al. Effects of balance and proprioceptive training on total hip and knee replacement rehabilitation: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Gait Posture. 2018 May;62:68-74.

This meta-analysis suggests that balance training is beneficial for improving function and balance in patients after total knee replacement.

Esculier JF et al. Is combining gait retraining or an exercise programmed with education better than education alone in treating runners with patellofemoral pain? A randomised clinical trial. Br J Sports Med. 2018 May;52(10):659-666.

In this randomized controlled trial, researchers found adding exercise or gait re-training with education was not more effective than education alone in runners with patellofemoral pain syndrome.

Gebel A et al. Effects and Dose-Response Relationship of Balance Training on Balance Performance in Youth: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Sports Med. 2018 May 7.

The authors of this meta-analysis found balance training significantly improves static and dynamic balance in young subjects.

Heerey J, et al. Impairment-Based Rehabilitation Following Hip Arthroscopy: Postoperative Protocol for the HIP ARThroscopy International Randomized Controlled Trial. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2018 Apr;48(4):336-342.

This article describes and provides the rationale for a hip exercise program following arthroscopic surgery for femoroacetabular impingement that includes elastic resistance and exercise balls.

Henderson KG et al. Active physiotherapy interventions following total knee arthroplasty in the hospital and inpatient rehabilitation settings: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Physiotherapy. 2018 Mar;104(1):25-35.

This meta-analysis reviewed acute physical therapy interventions in the hospital setting after total knee replacement, finding little evidence that accelerated physiotherapy can reduce length of stay.

Hoglund LT, et al. A 6-week hip muscle strengthening and lumbopelvic-hip core stabilization program to improve pain, function, and quality of life in persons with patellofemoral osteoarthritis: a feasibility pilot study. Pilot Feasibility Stud. 2018 Apr 6;4:70.

This small pilot study reported on the feasibility of an exercise program for females with patellofemoral osteoarthritis using TheraBand to exercise the hip & core.

Hunter DJ et al. Effectiveness of a new model of primary care management on knee pain and function in patients with knee osteoarthritis: Protocol for THE PARTNER STUDY. BMC Musculoskelet Disord. 2018 Apr 30;19(1):132.

This paper describes a protocol for a primary care intervention for patients with knee osteoarthritis including resistance training with elastic bands.

Kemp JL, et al. The Physiotherapy for Femoroacetabular Impingement Rehabilitation STudy (physioFIRST): A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2018 Apr;48(4):307-315.

This pilot study showed that a randomized controlled trial using elastic resistance was feasible for patients with femoroacetabular impingement (FAI).

Mansell NS, et al. Arthroscopic Surgery or Physical Therapy for Patients With Femoroacetabular Impingement Syndrome: A Randomized Controlled Trial With 2-Year Follow-up. Am J Sports Med. 2018 May;46(6):1306-1314.

This randomized controlled trial found no significant difference in 2-year outcomes in military patients with hip femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) whether they had arthroscopic surgery or physical therapy including TheraBand resistance.

Mattocks KT et al. The Application of Blood Flow Restriction: Lessons From the Laboratory. Curr Sports Med Rep. 2018 Apr;17(4):129-134.

This review of blood flow restriction training discussed considerations for applying BFR devices, including training with elastic resistance.

Rathleff MS et al. Exercise therapy, patient education, and patellar taping in the treatment of adolescents with patellofemoral pain: a prospective pilot study with 6 months follow-up. Pilot Feasibility Stud. 2018 Apr 13;4:73.

This paper reported on a 6-month follow-up of a TheraBand exercise program (including rigid taping) for adolescents with patellofemoral pain, finding poor adherence with little to no clinical effect.

Saad MC et al. Is hip strengthening the best treatment option for females with patellofemoral pain? A randomized controlled trial of three different types of exercises. Braz J Phys Ther. 2018 Apr 4. Ahead of print.

This randomized controlled trial compared hip strengthening, knee strengthening, and leg stretching in women with anterior knee pain, finding all interventions significantly reduced pain compared to control, while only the hip & knee strengthening groups improved in strength and knee biomechanics.

Scali K et al. Is multi-joint or single joint strengthening more effective in reducing pain and improving function in women with patellofemoral pain syndrome? A systematic review and meta-analysis. Int J Sports Phys Ther. 2018 Jun;13(3):321-334.

Among women with anterior knee pain, this meta-analysis comparing multi-joint with single-joint strengthening found multi-joint was better in reducing pain, while there was no significant difference in the short- or long-term in improving function.

Shaw KE et al. The effects of shoeworn insoles on gait biomechanics in people with knee osteoarthritis: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Br J Sports Med. 2018 Feb;52(4):238-253.

This meta-analysis of gait biomechanics in knee osteoarthritis patients using orthotics describes kinematic changes in the lower extremity.

Silva PB et al. Effect of wobble board training on movement strategies to maintain equilibrium on unstable surfaces. Hum Mov Sci. 2018 Apr;58:231-238.

A randomized controlled trial found that healthy men who train for 4 weeks on a wobble board improve their time to balance, EMG activation, and biomechanics when balancing on both firm and unstable surfaces compared to a control group; they suggested that wobble board training may enhance the ability to control counter-rotation mechanisms, which may be a factor in sports injuries.

Skou ST et al. Physical Activity and Exercise Therapy Benefit More Than Just Symptoms and Impairments in People With Hip and Knee Osteoarthritis. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2018 Jun;48(6):439-447.

This clinical commentary emphasizes the benefit of exercise for hip and knee osteoarthritis based on several studies using TheraBand resistance.

Wu D et al. Effect of home-based rehabilitation for hip fracture: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. J Rehabil Med. 2018 Jun 15;50(6):481-486.

This meta-analysis including studies with elastic resistance supports home-based exercise after hip fracture, noting significant effects on mobility and physical activity.

Xie Y et al. Quadriceps combined with hip abductor strengthening versus quadriceps strengthening in treating knee osteoarthritis: a study protocol for a randomized controlled trial. BMC Musculoskelet Disord. 2018 May 15;19(1):147.

This is a protocol for a randomized controlled trial using elastic bands for hip and knee strengthening in knee osteoarthritis patients.

Young JL et al. The influence of dosing on effect size of exercise therapy for musculoskeletal foot and ankle disorders: a systematic review. Braz J Phys Ther. 2018 Jan - Feb;22(1):20-32.

This systematic review found large effect sizes of exercise therapy for foot and ankle patients, and noted that plantar fasciitis patients may benefit more from a daily home exercise program, and Achilles tendinopathy patients should perform eccentric strengthening exercises as tolerated.

Young JL et al. The Influence of Exercise Dosing on Outcomes in Patients With Knee Disorders: A Systematic Review. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2018 Mar;48(3):146-161.

This systematic review identified clinically-relevant exercise dosing variables to improve knee pain and function in knee osteoarthritis.

TheraBand: Back & Neck

Gelecek & Akkan. The effect of stabilization exercise training on pain and functional status in patients with cervical radiculopathy. J Back Musculoskel Rehabil. 2018. 31(2):247-252.

The addition of very light elastic resistance exercise did not provide additional benefits to a home exercise program in patients with cervical radiculopathy.

Iversen VM et al. Resistance band training or general exercise in multidisciplinary rehabilitation of low back pain? A randomized trial. Scand J Med Sci Sports. 2018 Mar 31. Ahead of print.

This randomized controlled trial found that a home-based TheraBand strengthening program in patients with moderate-to-severe chronic low back pain had similar outcomes to a group that performed general physical exercise over 12 weeks.

Malla S et al. Effect of Motor Control Exercise on Swiss Ball and PNF Technique on NonSpecific Low Back Pain. Int J Med Res Health Sci. 2018. 7(4):114-24.

This small parallel comparison case series found 5 weeks of either motor control exercise with an exercise ball or therapist-directed PNF exercise (rhythmic stabilization) were effective at reducing pain and disability and increasing flexion in patients with low back pain.

Tada A et al. Psychological effects of exercise on community-dwelling older adults. Clin Interv Aging. 2018 Feb 13;13:271-276.

This 6-month TheraBand exercise program for Japanese older adults improved psychological outcomes compared to a control group.

Wasser JG et al. Exercise intervention for unilateral amputees with low back pain: study protocol for a randomised, controlled trial. Trials. 2017 Dec 29;18(1):630.

This protocol for a randomized controlled trial examines the effectiveness of an exercise intervention study including TheraBand CLX and stability trainers in unilateral amputees with lower back pain.

TheraBand: Sports Rehab/Performance

Agopyan A et al. Effects of 8-week Thera-Band training on spike speed, jump height and speed of upper limb performance of young female volleyball players. Int J Appl Exerc Physiol. 2018. 7(1):63-76.

Researchers concluded that an 8-week TheraBand exercise program in addition to regular training was more effective than regular training alone at improving spike speed, jump height, and lower extremity power in adolescent female volleyball players.

Arundale AJH, et al. Two year ACL reinjury rate of 2.5%: outcomes report of the men in a secondary acl injury prevention program (ACL-SPORTS). Int J Sports Phys Ther. 2018 Jun;13(3):422-431.

Male athletes completing the ACL-SPORTS (ACL-Specialized post-operative Return to Sport) program had higher return to sport rates and lower re-injury rates than previously reported in the literature.

Bellows R, Wong CK. The effect of bracing and balance training on ankle sprain incidence among athletes: a systematic review with meta-analysis. Int J Sports Phys Ther. 2018 Jun;13(3):379-388.

This meta-analysis found moderate quality evidence that balance training or ankle braces decrease incidence and relative risk of ankles sprains in competitive athletes.

Cai C et al. Comparison of Lower Limb and Back Exercises for Runners with Chronic Low Back Pain. Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2017 Dec;49(12):2374-2384.

In this randomized controlled trial, recreational runners with chronic lower back pain were randomly assigned to one of 3 groups of 8 weeks of lower extremity strengthening, lower extremity strengthening, or lumbar stabilization exercises including TheraBand and exercise balls. All groups significantly improved in lumbar function and pain; however, the lower extremity strengthening group had greater improvements in self-rated running capabilities, knee extension strength, and running step length.

Nickerson BS et al, Individual and Combined Effect of Inter-repetition Rest and Elastic Bands on Jumping Potentiation in Resistance-Trained Men. J Strength Cond Res. 2018 May 30. Ahead of Print.

Adding elastic bands to squat exercise improved power during a vertical jump, but jump height was similar in resistance-trained men.

Owoeye OBA et al. Prevention of Ankle Sprain Injuries in Youth Soccer and Basketball: Effectiveness of a Neuromuscular Training Program and Examining Risk Factors. Clin J Sport Med. 2018 Jul;28(4):325-331.

This summary of 5 studies found exposure to a neuromuscular training program including a wobble board significantly reduces the incidence of ankle sprains in youth soccer and basketball players.

Paditsaeree K & Mitranun W. Does combining elastic and weight resistance acutely protect against the impairment of flow-mediated dilatation in untrained men? Artery Res. 2018. 23:1-8.

This randomized, controlled cross-over study found that adding elastic tubing resistance to isotonic dumbbell exercise (elbow curl) significantly improved brachial artery flow-mediated vasodilation; furthermore, isotonic resistance alone impaired vasodilation, while elastic resistance alone did not change it.

Pas HIMFL et al. Systematic development of a tennis injury prevention programme. BMJ Open Sport Exerc Med. 2018 Apr 25;4(1):e000350.

This article describes the evidence-based development for an injury prevention exercise program including elastic resistance for adult tennis players.

Son C et al. Lower Body Strength-Training Versus Proprioceptive Exercises on Vertical Jump Capacity: A Feasibility Study. J Chiropr Med. 2018 Mar;17(1):7-15.

The authors concluded that this 1-week training study comparing strength training and proprioceptive training including balance boards was considered feasible for improving vertical jump, although there were no improvements in the experimental groups.

TheraBand: Older Adults

Finnegan S et al. Development and delivery of an exercise programme for falls prevention: the Prevention of Falls Injury Trial (PreFIT). Physiotherapy. 2018 Mar;104(1):72-79.

This paper describes the development of a fall prevention program using ankle weights.

Hamed A et al Exercises of dynamic stability under unstable conditions increase muscle strength and balance ability in the elderly. Scand J Med Sci Sports. 2018 Mar;28(3):961-971. 6.

This study compared balance training including balance pads with a strengthening program including TheraBand bands in older adults. The authors recommended balance training over strength training for improving both strength and balance to reduce falls.

Khorzoghi MB et al. Evaluating the effectiveness of two types of exercises, field exercise with direct supervision (FEWDS) and remotely exercise (TELE-EXERCISE) on the quality of life of the elderly man. Pharmacophore. 2017. 8(6S): e-1173329

This randomized controlled trial compared TheraBand-based resistance exercise program for older men at home or supervised in a group, finding both significantly improved quality of life compared to a control group.

Matchar DB et al. Randomized Controlled Trial of Screening, Risk Modification, and Physical Therapy to Prevent Falls Among the Elderly Recently Discharged From the Emergency Department to the Community: The Steps to Avoid Falls in the Elderly Study. Arch Phys Med Rehabil. 2017 Jun;98(6):1086-1096.

This study found that a fall prevention program including TheraBand resistance did not influence fall rates after discharge from the emergency room.

Miko I et al. Effect of a balance-training programme on postural balance, aerobic capacity and frequency of falls in women with osteoporosis: A randomized controlled trial. J Rehabil Med. 2018 Jun 15;50(6):542-547.

In this randomized, controlled trial, a 12-month exercise program for women with osteoporosis including elastic resistance and foam pads had significant improvement in balance and mobility compared to a control group; fall risk was reduced by 50% in all participants.

Motalebi SA et al. Efficacy of Elastic Resistance Training Program for the Institutionalized Elderly. Topics Geriatric Rehabil. 2018. 34(2):105-111.

In a randomized controlled trial of institutionalized elderly subjects, a 12-week progressive elastic resistance exercise program significantly improved balance and mobility.

Schiphof D et al. Osteoarthritis year in review 2017: rehabilitation and outcomes. Osteoarthritis Cartilage. 2018 Mar;26(3):326-340.

This article reviewed the literature published in 2017 on osteoarthritis rehabilitation, including studies using elastic resistance and kinesiology tape.

Stanghelle B et al. Effect of a resistance and balance exercise programme for women with osteoporosis and vertebral fracture: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial. BMC Musculoskelet Disord. 2018 Apr 3;19(1):100.

This study protocol for women with osteoporosis and vertebral fracture includes elastic resistance and balance pads.

TheraBand: Special Populations

Jakobsen MD et al. Effect of physical exercise on musculoskeletal pain in multiple body regions among healthcare workers: Secondary analysis of a cluster randomized controlled trial. Musculoskelet Sci Pract. 2018 Apr;34:89-96.

Female healthcare workers were randomly assigned to 10 weeks of TheraBand resistance exercise at home or the workplace. Researchers found that supervised group-based exercise performed at work is more effective at reducing pain than exercising at home alone.

Li KY et al. Effects of Wrist Weights on Kinematic and Myographic Movement Characteristics During a Reaching Task in Individuals With Parkinson Disease. Arch Phys Med Rehabil. 2018 Jul;99(7):1303-1310.

Researchers suggested wrist cuff weights be used with caution in Parkinson’s Disease patients because of compensatory movements during reaching exercises.

Rosarion CL. Exercise Therapy for a Patient With Parkinson Disease and Back Pain: A Case Report. J Chiropr Med. 2018. 17:72-4.

This is a case report describing the use of TheraBand resistance in the rehabilitation of a patient with Parkinsons Disease and lower back pain.

Silva-Batista C et al. Balance and fear of falling in subjects with Parkinson's disease is improved after exercises with motor complexity. Gait Posture. 2018 Mar;61:90-97.

This randomized controlled trial of patients with Parkinsons Disease found adding progressive balance training to resistance training in patients with PD resulted in significantly better improvements in balance and fear of falling compared to resistance training alone.

Silva-Batista C et al. Resistance training with instability is more effective than resistance training in improving spinal inhibitory mechanisms in Parkinson's disease. J Appl Physiol (1985). 2017 Jan 1;122(1):1-10.

This paper reported on improved spinal nerve mechanisms in Parkinson’s patients after a 12 week instability + resistance training program.

Soft Tissue Mobilization / Myofascial Rolling

Bailey LB et al. Effectiveness of Manual Therapy and Stretching for Baseball Players With Shoulder Range of Motion Deficits. Sports Health. 2017 May/Jun;9(3):230-237.

The authors of this randomized controlled trial found that IASTM plus stretching was more effective than stretching alone to increase shoulder range of motion in baseball players with ROM deficits, thus reducing this risk factor.

Cheatham SW et al. Does Roller Massage With a Foam Roll Change Pressure Pain Threshold of the Ipsilateral Lower Extremity Antagonist and Contralateral Muscle Groups? An Exploratory Study. J Sport Rehabil. 2018 Mar 1;27(2):165-169.

Researchers noted an increased pain pressure threshold in antagonist and contralateral side muscles after roller massage, further validating that roller massage effects are global and neurological, rather than ‘myofascial.’

Cheatham SW, Stull KR. Comparison of three different density type foam rollers on knee range of motion and pressure pain threshold: a randomized controlled trial. Int J Sports Phys Ther. 2018 Jun;13(3):474-482.

Researchers found foam rolling the quadriceps for 2 minutes with 3 different densities of foam resulted in similar increases in ROM and pain pressure threshold, noting large effect sizes after the intervention.

Deguzman L et al. The Immediate Effects of Self-administered Dynamic Warm-up, Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation, and Foam Rolling on Hamstring Tightness. Athl Train Sports Health Care. 2018.10(3):108-116.

In this cross-over study, researchers reported that foam rolling, dynamic warm-up, and PNF stretching were equally effective at increasing hamstring flexibility compared to a control condition.

Gordon CM et al. Self-Myofascial Vibro-Shearing: a Randomized Controlled Trial of Biomechanical and Related Changes in Male Breakdancers. Sports Med Open. 2018 Mar 27;4(1):13.

This randomized, controlled repeated measure study found that 8 minutes of self-soft tissue mobilization using a device immediately improved measurements of soft tissue mobility.

Hussey MJ et al. The Comparison of Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization and Self-Stretch Measuresto Increase Shoulder Range of Motion in Overhead Athletes: A Critically Appraised Topic. J Sport Rehabil. 2018. 27(4):385-89.

This paper reported moderate evidence to support the use of IASTM to increase glenohumeral ROM acutely in overhead athletes.

Lee CL, et al. Comparison of vibration rolling, nonvibration rolling, and static stretching as a warm-up exercise on flexibility, joint proprioception, muscle strength, and balance in young adults. J Sports Sci. 2018 Nov;36(22):2575-2582.

In this cross-over study, there was no statistical difference between a vibrating foam roller and a non-vibrating foam roller on muscle strength, flexibility, and balance; while there was a statistical difference in favor of vibration rolling on proprioception, the difference was within 2 degrees.

Taping Techniques (Kinesiology Tape, Rigid Tape, Athletic Tape)

Abbasi S et al. The effect of Kinesio Taping on postural control in subjects with non-specific chronic low back pain. J Bodyw Mov Ther. 2018 Apr;22(2):487-492.

In this case control study, kinesiology tape applied to the lower back of chronic lower back pain patients improved some balance parameters immediately and 24 hours after application.

Alptekin DÖ et al. Acupuncture and Kinesio Taping for the acute management of Bell's palsy: A case report. Complement Ther Med. 2017 Dec;35:1-5.

This paper reports on the case of a patient with Bell’s Palsy that benefited from kinesiology tape with acupuncture.

Araujo AC et al. Medium term effects of kinesio taping in patients with chronic non-specific low back pain: a randomized controlled trial. Physiotherapy. 2018 Mar;104(1):149-151.

In this 6 month follow-up, patients with lower back pain that received kinesiology taping for 4 weeks did no better than patients receiving sham taping.

Bagheri R et al. What is the effect and mechanism of kinesiology tape on muscle activity? J Bodyw Mov Ther. 2018 Apr;22(2):266-275.

Kinesiology tape applied to the gastroc/soleus alters excitability in healthy subjects, supporting a cutaneous afferent mechanism of action.

Bischoff L et al. Effects on proprioception by Kinesio taping of the knee after anterior cruciate ligament rupture. Eur J Orthop Surg Traumatol. 2018 28(6):1157-1164.

This repeated measure cohort of patients with ACL rupture demonstrated improved gait parameters and patient-reported function after applying kinesiology tape (Note: high level of bias present).

Brogden CM et al. The efficacy of elastic therapeutic tape variations on measures of ankle function and performance. Phys Ther Sport. 2018 Jul;32:74-79.

This cross-over study showed there was no difference between RockTape or Kinesio®Tape in joint position sense when applied to the ankle; both taped conditions were significantly better than a non-taped condition. There was no difference in postural stability between any conditions.

Brunelle CL et al. Hand Edema in Patients at Risk of Breast Cancer-Related Lymphedema: Health Professionals Should Take Notice. Phys Ther. 2018 Jun 1;98(6):510-517.

This case series describes the management of hand edema in patietns at risk of breast-cancer related lymphedema, including the use of kinesiology tape.

Celenay ST, Kaya DO. Immediate effects of kinesio taping on pain and postural stability in patients with chronic low back pain. J Bodywork Movement Ther. 2018. Ahead of Print.

Kinesiology tape applied to the lower back acutely significantly improved pain and postural stability in this case series of chronic lower back pain patients.

Chen SM et al. The effect of rigid taping with tension on mechanical displacement of the skin and change in pain perception. J Sci Med Sport. 2018 Apr;21(4):342-346.

Researchers found that applying tension to the skin with rigid taping reduced the pressure pain threshold, while there was no difference when tape was applied without tension and no tape.

Dall'Agnol MS, Cechetti F. Kinesio Taping Associated with Acupuncture in the Treatment of the Paretic Upper Limb After Stroke. J Acupunct Meridian Stud. 2018 Apr;11(2):67-73.

Kinesiology tape did not provide additional benefits to stroke patients with upper extremity paresis treated with acupuncture.

Dos Santos AN et al. Effects of Kinesio taping in rectus femoris activity and sit-to-stand movement in children with unilateral cerebral palsy: placebo-controlled, repeated-measure design. Disabil Rehabil. 2018 Apr 10:1-11.

Kinesiology taping changed muscle activation and biomechanical aspects of sit-to-stand in children with cerebral palsy, but did not change overall functional performance.

Eraslan L et al. Does Kinesiotaping improve pain and functionality in patients with newly diagnosed lateral epicondylitis? Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthrosc. 2018 Mar;26(3):938-945.

Adding kinesiology tape to physical therapy was more effective than physical therapy alone in patients with lateral elbow pain for pain and grip strength.

Genc A et al. A comparative study of surgical drain placement and the use of kinesiologic tape to reduce postoperative morbidity after third molar surgery. Clin Oral Investig. 2018 [Epub ahead of print]

Kinesiology tape was significantly less effective than drainage for pain and swelling after dental surgery.

Ghourbanpour A et al. Effects of patellar taping on knee pain, functional disability, and patellar alignments in patients with patellofemoral pain syndrome: A randomized clinical trial. J Bodyw Mov Ther. 2018 Apr;22(2):493-497.

In this randomized controlled trial, adding rigid tape application to 4 weeks of physical therapy did not result in better improvements in pain, quality of life, or patellar alignment in patients with anterior knee pain.

Han JW et al. The immediate effects of taping therapy on knee pain and depression in patients with degenerative arthritis. J Phys Ther Sci. 2018 May;30(5):704-706.

Kinesiology tape applied to the knee of patients with osteoarthritis significantly improved pain and depression compared to a group not receiving the tape; however, there was no placebo control group.

Hosp S et al. Does Kinesiology tape counter exercise-related impairments of balance in the elderly? Gait Posture. 2018 May;62:167-172.

In this repeated measures cross-over study, kinesiology taping to the knee attenuated deficits in knee proprioception and balance after exercise in healthy older adults.

Jafarnezhadgero A et al. Effect of kinesio taping on lower limb joint powers in individuals with genu varum. J Bodyw Mov Ther. 2018 Apr;22(2):511-518.

Researchers reported on biomechanical effects of applying kinesiology tape to the hamstrings and quadriceps of male subjects with genu varum.

Kim JH et al.The effects of Kinesiotape on acute lateral ankle sprain: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial. Trials. 2018 Feb 20;19(1):125.

This is a protocol to evaluate the effectiveness of kinesiology tape on acute lateral ankle sprains.

Lemos TV et al. Kinesio Taping effects with different directions and tensions on strength and range of movement of the knee: a randomized controlled trial. Braz J Phys Ther. 2018 Jul - Aug;22(4):283-290.

This study on kinesiology taping found no change in quadriceps muscle strength regardless of the direction of application or tension.

León-Ballesteros S et al. Kinesiotape and quadriceps strengthening with elastic band in women with knee osteoarthritis and overweight or obesity. A randomized clinical trial. Reumatol Clin. 2018 Apr 7. pii: S1699-258X(18)30071-8.

A 6-week home exercise program of quadriceps strengthening with TheraBand resistance bands significantly improved pain and function in obese and overweight women with mild knee osteoarthritis; Kinesiology tape applied to the thigh and knee provided no additional benefit.

Macdonald B . An investigation into the immediate effects of pelvic taping on hamstring eccentric force in an elite male sprinter - A case report. Phys Ther Sport. 2017 Nov;28:15-22.

This paper reports on a case of an elite sprinter with a history of hamstring injury that received pelvic taping with rigid strapping tape.

MacPhail et al. Type effect of inhibitory KT tape on measured vs. perceived maximal grip strength. J Bodyw Mov Ther. 2018 Jul;22(3):639-642.

Kinesiology tape applied with an “inhibitory technique” to the forearm of healthy subjects had no effect on forearm muscle activity or grip strength, regardless of the subjects’ familiarity of the tape, thus suggesting a placebo effect.

Miquelutti MA et al. Kinesiologic tape for labor pain control: Randomized controlled trial. Physiother Theory Pract. 2018 Apr 2:1-8.

Kinesiology tape was not effective at reducing labor pain in pregnant females.

Park KN et al. Effects of knee taping during functional activities in older people with knee osteoarthritis: A randomized controlled clinical trial. Geriatr Gerontol Int. 2018 May 29.

In this randomized, controlled repeated measure, kinesiology tape applied to the knee of older adults with knee osteoarthritis significantly reduced their pain compared to a group receiving sham taping.

Pelletier A et al. The effect of patellar taping on lower extremity running kinematics in individuals with patellofemoral pain syndrome. Physiother Theory Pract. 2018 Mar 30:1-9.

This study examined the biomechanics of runners with patellofemoral pain syndrome with both kinesiology tape and rigid tape, finding the application of tape during running may affect biomechanics.

Pinto BL et al. Tactile cues can change movement: An example using tape to redistribute flexion from the lumbar spine to the hips and knees during lifting. Hum Mov Sci. 2018 May 14;60:32-39.

Rigid strapping tape applied to the lower back can help reduce lumbar flexion during a lifting task, possibly due to tactile input, which is reinforced with verbal interaction.

Shirazi SA et al. Is application of Kinesio tape to treat hyperlordosis more effective on abdominal muscles or hamstrings? J Res Med Sci. 2018 Jan 29;23:9.

Hyperlordotic subjects had significant reduction in their lumbar lordosis 24 hours after kinesiology tape was applied to either the hamstrings or abdomen.

Slomka B et al. Short-term effect of kinesiology taping on temperature distribution at the site of application. Res Sports Med. 2018 Mar 25:1-16.

This study found that kinesiology tape significantly decreased skin temperature after 4 days and increased 1 hour later.

Tani K et al. Physiotherapy Effects in Gait Speed in Patients with Knee Osteoarthritis. Open Access Maced J Med Sci. 2018 Mar 10;6(3):493-497.

Patients with knee osteoarthritis improved their gait and decreased in pain after kinesiology ape was applied to their quadriceps for 3 days after application.

Tsai FH et a l. Effects of Taping on Achilles Tendon Protection and Kendo Performance. J Sport Rehabil. 2018 Mar 1;27(2):157-164.

This cross-over designed study evaluated the biomechanics, EMG, and performance of experienced martial artists in different Achilles taping conditions. They reported that athletic taping of the Achilles resulted in decreased biomechanical force on the Achilles tendon, while kinesiology taping improved performance.

Wu FL et al. Development of a clinical prediction rule to identify patients with plantar heel pain likely to benefit from biomechanical anti-pronation taping: A prospective cohort study. Phys Ther Sport. 2018 May;31:58-67.

The authors established a clinical prediction rule for patients with plantar fasciitis that would benefit from rigid taping using 6 variables.

Jamar: Grip Strength

Gasior JS et al. Assessment of Maximal Isometric Hand Grip Strength in School-aged Children. Open Med (Wars). 2018 Mar 15;13:22-28.

This cross-sectional study found that the 2nd handle position was best for children 5-9 when testing grip strength with a Jamar digital handgrip dynamometer.

Hawkes D et al .Can grip strength be used as a surrogate marker to monitor recovery from shoulder fatigue? J Electromyogr Kinesiol. 2018 Aug;41:139-146.

Grip strength measured by Jamar Digital Hand Dynamometer was lower in subjects after fatiguing shoulder exercise, but recovered after a rest period.

Joyce E et al. Prospective assessment of combined handgrip strength and Mini-Cog identifies hospitalized heart failure patients at increased post-hospitalization risk. ESC Heart Fail. 2018 Jun 12.

In this study of hospitalized patients with heart-failure, hand grip strength measured with a Jamar dynamometer and cognitive status were significantly associated with a higher risk of readmission and mortality.

McQuiddy VA et al. Normative Values for Grip and Pinch Strength for 6- to 19-Year-Olds. Arch Phys Med Rehabil. 2015 Sep;96(9):1627-33.

This paper provides norms for pinch and grip strength in 6 to 19 year old adolescents with the Jamar hydraulic dynamometer.

Overcash J et al. Factors Associated With Poor Sleep in Older Women Diagnosed With Breast Cancer. Oncol Nurs Forum. 2018 May 1;45(3):359-371.

Grip strength is negatively related to mobility in females with breast cancer, meaning those with more grip strength require less time for a get-up-and-go test.

Biofreeze

Hunter A et al. Influence of topically applied menthol cooling gel on soft tissue thermodynamics and arterial and cutaneous blood flow at rest. Int J Sports Phys Ther. 2018. 13(3):483-92.

Topically applied menthol to the quadriceps muscle produced intramuscular cooling at 1 and 3 cm depths, similar to ice and placebo.