Knee Muscles Strength Can be Improved by Using an Elastic Band as an Assistive Device for Knee-Ankle Complex

Area of Science:

• Biomechanics
• Exercise Physiology
• Rehabilitation Science

Background:

• Resistance exercise utilizes various tools, including elastic bands, for muscle strengthening.
• Evidence supporting the efficacy of elastic bands for muscle strengthening is limited.
• Investigating the impact of elastic bands on knee muscle strength is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the effect of knee-ankle elastic bands on knee muscle strength parameters.
• To analyze these effects based on sex and angular velocity.
• To determine the potential of elastic bands as assistive devices.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study with a crossover design involving 21 healthy adults (11 female, 10 male).
• Isokinetic concentric knee extension and flexion strength measured at 60°/s and 180°/s.
• Measurements taken with and without a figure-8 therapeutic elastic band, incorporating knee flexion and ankle dorsiflexion.

Main Results:

• Significant improvements (P<0.05) in peak moment, peak moment/body weight, average power, total work, and agonist/antagonist ratio were observed with elastic bands.
• Improvements were consistent at both 60°/s and 180°/s, regardless of sex.
• Elastic bands demonstrated a positive effect on knee muscle strength parameters.

Conclusions:

• Therapeutic elastic bands, used with knee flexion and ankle dorsiflexion, can serve as assistive devices for enhancing knee-supporting muscles.
• Further high-quality research is needed to fully assess elastic bands' potential beyond exercise tools.
• Elastic bands show promise for improving performance in sports activities.