A comparison of two thera-band training rehabilitation protocols on postural control

Context: Thera-Band™ (TB) exercises are commonly utilized in ankle rehabilitation, but previous studies have shown inconsistent results. Objective: To compare two TB protocols among healthy subjects in improving postural control. Design: Mixed model design. Setting: Research laboratory. Participants: Thirty healthy subjects divided into a control (CON), three times/week (TB3) or five times/week (TB5) group. Intervention: Training groups completed TB quick-kick protocols for six weeks either three (TB3) or five times (TB5) per week. Main Outcome Measure: Center of pressure velocity in the anterior/posterior (COPVX) and medial/lateral (COPVY) directions. Results: There were no differences related to Group or Side. COPVX in the eyes open (EO) condition increased pre-post. COPVY decreased pre-post. Conclusion: The lack of differences between Groups and Side indicates these specific TB training protocols did not impact static postural control differently among healthy subjects.