A Comparative Study on the Material Properties between the Thera-Band and the Chained-Rubber Band
Jaroenporn, W.; Chanlalit, C.
Journal of the Medical Association of Thailand 99(Suppl 8): S7
2016
ISSN/ISBN: 0125-2208 PMID: 29901364 Document Number: 5671
Chained-rubber bands have been used as a substitute for Thera-Bands as an exercise tool. Currently, there is no scientific literature that confirms the material properties of the chained-rubber band. This study evaluates whether the chained-rubber bands have comparable properties to the Thera-Bands. The chained-rubber bands and Thera-Bands were stretched using a mechanical testing machine. Chained-rubber bands have similar characteristics as Thera-Bands in terms of pattern of the relation between the force-displacement which displayed linear behavior after a 50% strain and reproducibility (ICC = 0.99). Initial length and velocity had no effect on the Thera-Bands, however it did have an effect on the chained-rubber bands. In the 3,000 cycles of sage, the mean force for stretching on the chained-rubber bands and Thera-Band was reduced by 6.3% and 10% respectively. Chained-rubber bands have similarities to Thera-Bands which can be used as an exercise instrument. But the rehabilitation protocol must be properly adjusted to the limitation of initial length and velocity of exercise. Good guidance must be followed.