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Purpose: Performing back squats with elastic bands has been widely used in resistance training. Although research demonstrated greater training effects obtained from adding elastic bands to the back squat, little is known regarding the optimal elastic resistance and how it affects neuromuscular performance. This study aimed to compare the force, velocity, power, and muscle activity during back squats with different contributions of elastic resistance. Methods: Thirteen basketball players performed 3 repetitions of the back squat at 85% of 1-repetition maximum across 4 conditions: (1) total load from free weight and (2) 20%, (3) 30%, and (4) 40% of the total load from elastic band and the remaining load from free weight. The eccentric and concentric phases of the back squat were divided into upper, middle, and bottom phases. Results: In the eccentric phase, mean velocity progressively increased with increasing elastic resistance, and muscle activity of the vastus medialis and rectus femoris significantly increased with the largest elastic resistance in the upper phase (P ≤.036). In the concentric phase, mean power (P ≤.021) and rate of force development (P ≤.002) significantly increased with increasing elastic resistance. Furthermore, muscle activity of the vastus lateralis and vastus medialis significantly improved with the largest elastic resistance in the upper phases (P ≤.021). Conclusion: Velocity, power, rate of force development, and selective muscle activity increased as the elastic resistance increased in different phases during the back-squat exercise. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To construct a resistance band exercise training program through literature re- view and Delphi expert consultation method, and to evaluate its effects on glycemic and bone density indicators in patients with type 2 diabetes complicated with osteoporosis. Methods A total of 81 middle-aged and elderly patients admitted to the department of endocrine osteoporosis in Jiangxi Provincial People's Hospital/First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang Medical University from April to August 2023 as the research subjects. They were divided into the observation group and the control group using the random number table method. The observation group was given a 3-month resistance band exercise training program in addition to routine treatment and nursing, while the control group was given routine treatment and nursing measures. The glycemic and bone density indicators of the two groups were compared. Results A total of 74 patients completed the study, including 36 in the observation group and 38 in the control group. The fasting blood glucose. postprandial 2-hour blood glucose, and hemoglobin Alc of the observation group were lower than those of the control group, and the differences were statistically significant (P<0.05); the number of compliance targets achieved by the two groups were compared, and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.01); the bone density of the two groups after intervention was compared, and there was no statistically significant difference (P>0.05). Conclusion The resistance band exercise training program can not only reduce the glycemic indicators of patients, but also effectively improve their compliance with exercise, but the effect on improving the patient s bone mineral density is not obvious. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction. The purpose of this study was to assess the effectiveness of elastic band exercises programme in assisting the training of amateur tennis players. Material and Methods. Study participants comprised 22 male amateur tennis players (participating in a minimum of two training sessions per week) aged 40-60. The participants were divided into two equal groups. Subjects from Group 1 were engaged in elastic band exercises after the main training. Prior to each intervention, the movement range of the shoulder joint and the velocity and precision of the service were measured (via the ITF test). The measurements were repeated after four weeks. Group 2 (control) underwent the same measurements but they did not perform any additional exercises. Differences between the results of individual measurements were determined using the Wilcoxon matched-pairs test, and differences between the groups were determined using the Mann–Whitney U test, with a level of significance of p ≤ 0.05. Results. Group 1 showed a significant improvement in service precision (p < 0.001). In Group 2, the results of both measurements were similar. Group 1 showed a lower service speed at the beginning, but after four weeks the progress was statistically significant (p < 0.001). Group 1 also showed a significant improvement in the movement range of the shoulder joint, albeit only on their dominant side. Conclusions. The elastic band exercises may improve the velocity and precision of the service in tennis. The use of the aforementioned method to assist in the training of tennis players seems justified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Sportif Bakış: Spor ve Eğitim Bilimleri Dergisi is the property of Sportif Bakis: Spor ve Egitim Bilimleri Dergisi and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Aim. This study was designed to compare the effects of 8 weeks of elastic band training and the physical responses that occur in muscular strength, especially explosive strength and strength endurance in female taekwondo players aged 14 to 18 years. Methods. A total of 05 participants were measured before and after an 8-week training programme with three weekly sessions (24 sessions) throughout the training programme, which included training sessions using elastic bands with full control of training intensity throughout the duration of the programme: Four physical tests were selected to measure the results: -Static vertical jump test to measure the explosive power of the legs. -3kg medicine ball throw test to measure the explosive strength of the arms. -60-second sit-to-stand test to measure abdominal muscle strength endurance. -60-second squat test to measure the endurance of the leg muscles. Results. The results indicated that the use of elastic bands develops the muscular strength of the players so that we observed statistically significant differences between the pre-test and post-test in all physical tests attributed to the training programme. Conclusions. These results indicate that elastics are very important in the development of muscular strength in female Taekwondo athletes, and coaches should recognise their importance and use them throughout physical preparation in Taekwon. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Existing elastic band materials for sports rehabilitation equipment have some deficiencies in strength, flexibility and durability, and need to be further improved. Therefore, the aim of this paper is to modify elastic bands using a conjugated material, carbon nanotubes, to improve the strength, flexibility and durability of elastic bands. In this paper, conjugated carbon nanotubes were prepared, and their elastic bands were strengthened and toughened by solvent, dispersant and functionalizer respectively under tensile testing machine and scanning electron microscope. Then the application effect of elastic band modified by conjugated materials in exercise rehabilitation was analyzed experimentally. The experimental results show that the strength of the elastic bands modified with carbon nanotubes is in the optimal range for sports rehabilitation, and the elongation at break of the test elastic band toughness index was also higher than that before modification, all of which were more than 90%. The recovery time of the elastic band after modification was long; the elastic retention rate was high, and the deformation was not easy. The satisfaction rate of different grades of elastic bands after modification was particularly high, which was not less than 95%. The research and application of elastic band modification based on conjugated material carbon nanotubes is very important for training and treatment in sports rehabilitation, which can provide better support and stability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Revija Šport is the property of Sport: Revija Za Teoreticna in Praticna Vprasanja Sporta and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Background. Due to the special structure of the knee joint in genu valgus individuals, neuromuscular characteristics of muscles can be disturbed and this may change postural control. This study aimed to investigate the effect of 8 weeks of training with an elastic band on the frequency spectrum of lower limb muscles in genu valgum patients during running. Methods. This study was a clinical trial in which 24 male students (20-30 years old) were randomly divided into control and experimental groups. Corrective exercises were performed for 8 weeks using an elastic band for the experimental group. The electrical activity of selected muscles was recorded by an electromyography system. Statistical analysis was performed using repeated measures ANOVA test at the significant level of 0.05. Results. Findings showed a significant increase in the frequency spectrum of rectus femoris (P=0.026; d=1.669) after training. Conclusion. Quadriceps muscles increase knee joint stability along with balance during movements. Therefore, increasing the median frequency of knee joint muscles improve balance. Practical Implications. The results of this study showed that exercises with elastic bands are useful for people with Genu valgum, and in particular, the use of these exercises leads to improved balance and performance.

Copyright of China Fiber Inspection / Zhongguo Xian-Jian is the property of China Fiber Inspection and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Background: During the repetitive execution of the swimming strokes, the muscles responsible for the internal rotations of the shoulders tend to become stronger compared to the muscles that oppose these movements. The aim of this study was to analyse the effect of a strengthening program for the shoulder rotator muscles using elastic band exercises in a diagonal Kabat pattern (D2 for flexion) in swimmers, to develop an effective, quick and easy-to-implement protocol for preventive training routines. Methods: A randomized controlled trial design was carried out. Internal and external rotation range of movement, isometric strength of the muscles responsible for internal and external rotation of the shoulder, scapular movements, was measured at the beginning of the study and after 8 weeks post-intervention. A total of 22 male swimmers participated in the study and were randomly assigned to either an experimental group (n = 11) or a control group (n = 11). The experimental group underwent a 8-week shoulder-strength program using elastic bands, while the control group focused on aquatic training. Results: The strength-training program resulted in an improvement in the isometric strength of the muscles responsible for external rotation and a better balance between the shoulder rotator muscles in the experimental group. However, these improvements have not been significant (p > 0.05). Conclusion: The strengthening exercise program showed minimal improvement in shoulder rotation strength and range of motion. These findings suggest that the prescribed shoulder-strengthening exercise could be a quick-beneficial dry-land training option to improve external rotation shoulder strength or range of motion, but more studies with larger sample sizes and more weeks of treatment are needed to determine the efficacy of this protocol. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Explosive and fast body movements, sprints, jumps and quick changes of direction, which are characteristic of the football training, place considerable strain on the hamstring muscles. Due to the high occurrence of hamstring injuries, new preventive strategies are required that focus on high-velocity training. The purpose was to assess the effectiveness of high-velocity elastic-band training in reducing the occurrence of hamstring injuries in football players. Methods: Male football players from 15 teams (n = 319) playing in national competitions participated in this study. The players were involved in a 5-week exercise period in either the intervention group (INT) or the control group (CON), with a follow-up period of ~4 months where hamstring injuries and exposure time were recorded. The INT group had two to three sessions per week of elastic-band training with low-load, high-velocity leg curls while lying prone; the CON group performed self-paced football-specific drills. Results: The incidence rate of hamstring injuries was 6.5% in the INT group (8 out of 123 players) and 9.2% in the CON group (18 out of 196 players). Although the INT group showed almost 1/3 reduction in hamstring injury incidence compared to the CON group, the difference was not statistically significant (p > 0.05). Moreover, no differences (p > 0.05, odds ratio [OR] = trivial-to-small) in distribution between the groups were found in hamstring injury characteristics (leg dominance and mechanism) except for the distribution of injuries that occurred during matches or training (p = 0.036; OR = 6.14, moderate). Conclusion: The program of high-velocity elastic-band training did not prove to be effective in preventing hamstring muscle injuries in football players despite displaying some positive indications that could be considering when creating injury prevention programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The fascinating flight traits of butterflies, such as low wing loading, low flapping frequency, and the ability for long-distance flight, have intrigued scientists and engineers. To study these mechanisms, a 2.7 g butterfly-inspired flapping-wing micro air vehicle (FWMAV) was developed using a combination of a single motor, elastic bands, a driving shaft, shape optimization, and a butterfly-like wing planform. During tethered experiments, aerodynamic forces and wing motions were simultaneously measured to understand the aerodynamics of the butterfly-inspired FWMAV. The results show that the ranges of resultant flapping and lead-lag motion of the wing of the robot were within those of real butterflies during the first stroke. The lift varied with the flapping motion and was sufficient for flight but averaged to zero over one flapping cycle because the opposite direction of lift was generated during the upstroke. These findings indicate that the modulation of the resulting aerodynamic force direction due to the control of the stroke plane angle per stroke plays a crucial role in the flights of butterflies and butterfly-inspired FWMAVs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

PURPOSE This study aimed to investigate the effects of plyometric training (PT) with elastic bands on the physical fitness and isokinetic function in fencing foil athletes. METHODS The study participants were 16 male and female foil fencers aged 20–35 who were selected as the national team in 2019 and classified into the PT with band (PTB) group (n=8) and PT group (n=8). The participants performed PT according to their elastic band status three times a week for four weeks. Both groups participated in the measurement of physical fitness and isokinetic function factors of the knee joint after 0 and 4 weeks. RESULTS Hand grip strength decreased significantly after 4 weeks versus 0 week in both groups (respectively, p

Background: During the repetitive execution of the swimming strokes, the muscles responsible for the internal rotations of the shoulders tend to become stronger compared to the muscles that oppose these movements. The aim of this study was to analyse the effect of a strengthening program for the shoulder rotator muscles using elastic band exercises in a diagonal Kabat pattern (D2 for flexion) in swimmers, to develop an effective, quick and easy-to-implement protocol for preventive training routines.Methods: A randomized controlled trial design was carried out. Internal and external rotation range of movement, isometric strength of the muscles responsible for internal and external rotation of the shoulder, scapular movements, was measured at the beginning of the study and after 8 weeks post-intervention. A total of 22 male swimmers participated in the study and were randomly assigned to either an experimental group (n = 11) or a control group (n = 11). The experimental group underwent a 8-week shoulder-strength program using elastic bands, while the control group focused on aquatic training.Results: The strength-training program resulted in an improvement in the isometric strength of the muscles responsible for external rotation and a better balance between the shoulder rotator muscles in the experimental group. However, these improvements have not been significant (p > 0.05).Conclusion: The strengthening exercise program showed minimal improvement in shoulder rotation strength and range of motion. These findings suggest that the prescribed shoulder-strengthening exercise could be a quick-beneficial dry-land training option to improve external rotation shoulder strength or range of motion, but more studies with larger sample sizes and more weeks of treatment are needed to determine the efficacy of this protocol.

Background. Due to the special structure of the knee joint in genu valgus individuals, neuromuscular characteristics of muscles can be disturbed and this may change postural control. This study aimed to investigate the effect of 8 weeks of training with an elastic band on the frequency spectrum of lower limb muscles in genu valgum patients during running. Methods. This study was a clinical trial in which 24 male students (20-30 years old) were randomly divided into control and experimental groups. Corrective exercises were performed for 8 weeks using an elastic band for the experimental group. The electrical activity of selected muscles was recorded by an electromyography system. Statistical analysis was performed using repeated measures ANOVA test at the significant level of 0.05. Results. Findings showed a significant increase in the frequency spectrum of rectus femoris (P=0.026; d=1.669) after training. Conclusion. Quadriceps muscles increase knee joint stability along with balance during movements. Therefore, increasing the median frequency of knee joint muscles improve balance. Practical Implications. The results of this study showed that exercises with elastic bands are useful for people with Genu valgum, and in particular, the use of these exercises leads to improved balance and performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Studia Universitatis Babes-Bolyai, Educatio Artis Gymnasticae is the property of Babes-Bolyai University, Cluj-Napoca, Romania and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Objective: To analyze and compare the effects of Vibrapole exercises and elastic band exercises on abdominal strength in young healthy individuals. Material and Methods: In this experimental study, 80 healthy, young individuals between the age groups of 18-24 were screened and recruited and then allocated into 2 groups. Group A- abdominal strengthening exercise using vibrapole (n=40) and Group B- abdominal strengthening exercise using an elastic band (n=40). The intervention was administered for 3 days/week, for 4 weeks to both groups. Progression was adjusted after 2 weeks, by increasing repetitions of exercises from 10 to 20. Outcome measures, including: surface Electromyography (EMG), pressure biofeedback and 7 stage sit-up test, were assessed pre and post-intervention. The analysis was performed with a 95% confidence interval. Results: Group A and B showed significant improvement (p-value

Background: Explosive and fast body movements, sprints, jumps and quick changes of direction, which are characteristic of the football training, place considerable strain on the hamstring muscles. Due to the high occurrence of hamstring injuries, new preventive strategies are required that focus on high-velocity training. The purpose was to assess the effectiveness of high-velocity elastic-band training in reducing the occurrence of hamstring injuries in football players.Methods: Male football players from 15 teams (n = 319) playing in national competitions participated in this study. The players were involved in a 5-week exercise period in either the intervention group (INT) or the control group (CON), with a follow-up period of ∼4 months where hamstring injuries and exposure time were recorded. The INT group had two to three sessions per week of elastic-band training with low-load, high-velocity leg curls while lying prone; the CON group performed self-paced football-specific drills.Results: The incidence rate of hamstring injuries was 6.5% in the INT group (8 out of 123 players) and 9.2% in the CON group (18 out of 196 players). Although the INT group showed almost 1/3 reduction in hamstring injury incidence compared to the CON group, the difference was not statistically significant (p > 0.05). Moreover, no differences (p > 0.05, odds ratio [OR] = trivial-to-small) in distribution between the groups were found in hamstring injury characteristics (leg dominance and mechanism) except for the distribution of injuries that occurred during matches or training (p = 0.036; OR = 6.14, moderate).Conclusion: The program of high-velocity elastic-band training did not prove to be effective in preventing hamstring muscle injuries in football players despite displaying some positive indications that could be considering when creating injury prevention programs.

The purpose of this study was to assess the effectiveness of elastic band assistance during the pull-up exercise. We investigated the differences between unassisted pull-ups compared to those performed with the assistance of elastic bands arranged in two different tying methods. Methods Thirty-three (M= 26, F= 7) participants volunteered for the study and completed university IRB approved protocols. Participants completed three randomly assigned protocols, performed no less than 72 hours apart, consisting of performing a single set of pull-ups to volitional fatigue. Protocol 1 consisted of performing bodyweight pull-ups without any external assistance (PUBW). Protocol 2 consisted of performing pull-ups with assistance from an elastic band hung vertically from the pull-up bar and the feet placed inside the elastic band (PUV). Protocol 3 consisted of performing pullups with assistance from an elastic band hung horizontally across the safety bars of a power rack, at the same height off the ground as PUV, with the feet on top of the band (PUH). Results Repeated-measures ANOVA with Bonferroni Post hoc revealed significant differences, PUBW (11.35 +7.30) had less pull-ups when compared to PUV (17.61 +9.77) and PUH (28.03 +14.42) (p<.001). PUH (28.03 +14.42) were significantly greater than PUV (17.61 +9.77) (p<.001). Conclusion Performing pull-ups with the assistance of elastic bands outputs a greater number of repetitions; the use of PUH produced three times as many repetitions, and the PUV produced about twice as many repetitions compared to no assistance. Practical application When lacking sufficient muscular strength, the use of elastic bands in the pull-up exercise may be efficacious for assisting the trainee to achieve higher repetitions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Like in orthopaedics, many maxillofacial fracture cases require elastic traction to control the muscle spasms, pain and aid in reduction of the fractured segments to achieve acceptable occlusion before the definitive management. In trauma and emergency hospital setup, sometimes conventional stock elastic bands are not readily available for the traction (non-rigid maxillo–mandibular fixation). In such cases, customized elastic bands, made from Foley's catheter, can be a better alternative. The current technique is hassle free and has ease of customization as per individual case due to easy availability of Foley's catheter in hospital setup.

Brief report of 13 eyes with blunt trauma secondary to recoil from elastic cord exercise equipment, and review of the literature. Purpose: To discuss the mechanism of injury and characterize the clinical features of ocular trauma associated with elastic cord exercise equipment band injuries in a consecutive series of patients seen at a single vitreoretinal surgery practice. Methods: We performed a retrospective review of all patients who were treated for blunt trauma from 2013 to 2020 at a single vitreoretinal practice. Results: Thirteen eyes from 11 patients met the inclusion criteria of possessing ocular trauma secondary to recoil from exercise bands. Presenting visual acuity ranged from 20/16 to HM (median: 20/32). The most frequently observed anterior segment pathologies were traumatic iritis (54%) and angle recession (31%). The most common posterior segment findings were vitreous hemorrhage (54%) and peripheral commotio retinae (54%). Three eyes (23%) required surgical intervention. Follow-up intervals ranged from 0 to 10 months (median: 1.75 months). Visual acuity at last examination ranged from 20/13 to 20/400 (median: 20/40). Conclusion: A wide spectrum of serious ocular injuries requiring medical and surgical intervention can result from this form of blunt ocular trauma. The frequency of this event would be decreased by the use of sports goggles and careful inspection of equipment for wear and over use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to investigate the differences in neuromuscular performance between variable resistance training and constant resistance training within complex training. Twenty-one well-trained collegiate basketball players were randomly assigned to either an experimental group (variable resistance training) or a control group (constant resistance training) and completed a twice weekly training program over an 8-week period. Training programs were the same except that the experimental group included variable resistance via elastic bands (40% of the total load). Maximum strength, vertical jump, horizontal jump, and sprint performance were assessed pre- and post-intervention. Both groups demonstrated significant increases in the back squat 1RM (experimental group +36.5% and control group +32.3%, both p < 0.001), countermovement jump (experimental group +12.9%, p = 0.002 and control group +5.6%, p = 0.02), and squat jump performance (experimental group +21.4% and control group +12.9%, both p < 0.001), whereas standing broad jump performance improved only in the experimental group (+2.9%, p = 0.029). Additionally, the experimental group showed significant improvement in the squat jump (p = 0.014) compared with the control group. However, no statistically significant differences were found between groups for countermovement jump (p = 0.06) and sprint performance at 10 m (p = 0.153) and 20 m (p = 0.076). We may conclude that both training modalities showed similar improvements in maximum strength. Performing variable resistance training within a complex training program is more efficient to enhance selective power performance in well-trained collegiate basketball players. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Shanghai Physical Education Institute / Shanghai Tiyu Xueyuan Xuebao is the property of Shanghai Physical Education Institute and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Aims  Many studies show that aerobic exercise combined with resistance training is beneficial for patients with chronic heart failure (CHF). The benefits of traditional Chinese exercise Baduanjin combined with an elastic band in this population are not known. To evaluate the effects of Baduanjin in conjunction with an elastic band on exercise capacity, physical function, muscle strength of the upper and lower extremities, quality of life (QoL), and exercise self-efficacy among CHF patients in a home-based setting. Methods and results  A prospective randomized controlled trial was conducted in this study. A total of 136 CHF patients were randomly assigned to the exercise or the control group. Chronic heart failure patients in the exercise group received Baduanjin combined with elastic band and CHF community care, while those in the control group accepted CHF community care. The duration of the interventions was 24 weeks. The measured outcomes included exercise capacity, physical function, muscle strength of the upper and lower extremities, QoL, and exercise self-efficacy. A generalized estimating equation model was employed to examine the effects of Baduanjin combined with the elastic band on the outcome variables. Chronic heart failure patients showed significant improvements in physical performance testing (PPT) (P = 0.023), 30-s arm curl test (30ACT) (P = 0.035), 10 sit-stand-to-sit tests (STS10) (P = 0.017), 6-min walk test (6MWT) (P < 0.001), QoL (P < 0.001), and exercise self-efficacy (P = 0.009) in the exercise group, while these variables did not differ in the control group. There were also significant differences in these variables between the two groups at Weeks 12 and 24 (P < 0.05). There were significant group-by-time interactions in the exercise group, with enhancements in PPT (F = 5.40, P = 0.032), 6MWT (F = 9.04, P < 0.001), muscle strength in the 30ACT and STS10 (F = 5.32, P = 0.037; F = 6.69, P = 0.005), QoL (F = 6.69, P < 0.001), and self-efficacy (F = 4.60, P = 0.038) revealed in CHF patients in this group from baseline to Week 24. Conclusion Baduanjin combined with elastic band exercise may improve exercise capacity, physical function, muscle strength, QoL, and exercise self-efficacy for CHF patients in a home-based setting, which may be a complementary exercise model for home-based CHF patients who are clinically stable and cannot participate in centre-based exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation programmes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chen, CH, Chang, CK, Tseng, WC, Chiu, CH, Dai, X, and Ye, X. Acute effects of different warm-up protocols on sports performance in elite male collegiate handball players. J Strength Cond Res 36(8): 2262–2267, 2022—This study aimed to examine the effects of 3 different warm-up protocols on subsequent sports performance in elite male collegiate handball players. Fifteen handball players (19.0 ± 2.4 years) completed 3 separated randomly sequenced experimental visits. During each visit, they started with different warm-up protocols (traditional warm-up [TRAD] vs. warm-up with core stability exercises [CORE] vs. warm-up with elastic band exercises [ELAS]) and completed with a series of randomly ordered sport-specific performance testing measurements: 30-m sprint, countermovement jump, medicine ball overhead forward throw, and standing and jump handball throw tests. Both CORE and ELAS protocols induced statistically significant differences (p < 0.05) on overall sports performance (sprint time, jump height, medicine ball throwing peak velocity and power, and handball throwing velocities), as compared to the TRAD. In addition, the ELAS protocol imposed small-to-medium effects (effect size range: 0.45–0.82), enhancing handball throwing velocity and medicine ball throwing performance comparing with the CORE. Sport-specific warm-up protocols that contain core stability or elastic band–based exercises likely induced subsequent performance enhancements (sprint, jump, and throw) in elite male collegiate handball players when compared with TRAD. Furthermore, including elastic band exercises in the warm-up protocol even induced superior upper-body performance enhancement (explosive power and handball throwing velocity) than other protocols. Therefore, preconditioning warm-up activities using elastic band–based exercises can be integrated into a traditional sport-specific warm-up protocol for elite collegiate handball players before competition or training. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] With continuous development of artificial intelligence technology, strain sensors have attracted widespread attention. In this work, a novel high-performance wearable strain sensor is prepared by using a kind of ultra-stretchable, super-hydrophobic and high-conductive composite. The preparation process is as follows, i.e., using common elastic band (EB) as the polymer matrix, nano carbon black (CB) and carbon nanotubes (CNTs) as mixed conductive filler, and then modified by polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) to obtain the PDMS/(CB + CNTs)/EB composite for assembling assemble flexible wearable strain sensors. Experimental results reveal the following excellent properties: 1) The composite exhibits excellent mechanical properties and super-hydrophobicity, i.e., the tensile strength is up to 996.5%, and the elastic modulus and tensile strength increase 49.2% and 59.2%, compared with pristine EB; 2) The composite strain sensor exhibits high sensitivity (the gauge factor reaches up to 648.83 under strain range of 979.9–996.5%), and it still shows stable performance after 3000 cycles tests (100% strain); 3) It is a well candidate to be used for monitoring human body motions including large and subtle body movements; 4) The composite sensor also has advantages of easy access of raw materials, simple preparation, easy mass production and relatively low production cost, showing a broad application prospect in wearable electronic products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although resistance exercise is a well-known and accepted method for treatment of sarcopenia, its effectiveness varies. Through this meta-analysis, we investigated the effectiveness of elastic band resistance exercises in improving the physical performance of individuals with sarcopenia. Well-controlled prospective clinical trials investigating the treatment effect of elastic band training for sarcopenia were found from the PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Google scholar databases up to July 2021 by using "sarcopenia" and "elastic band" as the search terms. Four studies--three randomized controlled trials and one quasiexperimental study -- met our inclusion criteria. A total of 231 older adults with sarcopenia were included. After 12 weeks of training, significant improvements were observed in the timed up and go test result, maximal grip strength, gait speed, and appendicular skeletal muscle index in the elastic band training group compared with the control group (95% CI, -2.93 to -1.41, 1.14 to 5.27, -0.06 to -0.02, and 0.03 to 0.26, respectively). However, no significant differences were observed in performance in the 6-minute-walk test (95% CI, -11.00 to 27.00). Elastic band resistance training may benefit older adults with sarcopenia. Further randomized controlled studies with larger samples and longer follow-up periods are warranted to strengthen the clinical evidence regarding the effectiveness of elastic band training for sarcopenia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objectives: Genu valgum is a complication in which the hips are angled inward and the knees come in contact with the ankles apart. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effect of 8 weeks training with elastic band on frequency spectrum of lower limb muscles in genu valgum patients during running. Materials and Methods: The present study was a clinical trial study. This study was done at University of Mohaghegh Ardabili in 2019. 24 male students (20-30 years old) were randomly divided into control (n=12) and experimental (n=12) groups. Corrective exercises were performed for 8 weeks using elastic band for the experimental group. The control group did not perform any exercise during this period. The electrical activity of selected muscles was recorded by electromyography system. Data were analyzed using independent t-test and paired t-test. Results: Findings showed a significant increase in the frequency spectrum of rectus femoris (p=0.028; d=2.495) and semitendinosus muscles (p=0.019; d=1.682) after training. Conclusion: In genu valgus individuals, increasing vastus medialis frequency content could lead to knee joint stability. However, further studies are needed to better establish this issue. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Spor Bilimleri Dergisi is the property of Spor Bilimleri Dergisi and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

[Purpose] To investigate the effects of exercise using a modified elastic band with a coconut shell on leg muscle strength and balance in older adults. [Participants and Methods] The study consisted of 30 participants aged 60 years and older. The participants were randomly assigned to either the exercise (n=15) or control groups (n=15). The exercise group used a modified elastic band with a coconut shell three days a week for four weeks. Both groups received a single educational session on fall prevention after a baseline assessment. The Functional Reach Test (FRT) and Timed Up and Go Test (TUG) were used to assess balance, respectively. The 30-second chair stand test (30CST) was also used to measure leg strength. All outcome parameters were measured at the beginning of the study, immediately after a single exercise session, and after four weeks of exercise. [Results] The FRT and 30CST significantly increased in the exercise group after four weeks of exercise. The TUG significantly decreased in the exercise group after completing the program. [Conclusion] This study demonstrated that exercise using a modified elastic band with a coconut shell could effectively improve leg muscle strength and balance in older adults., Competing Interests: The authors report no conflicts of interest., (2024©by the Society of Physical Therapy Science. Published by IPEC Inc.)