Resistance band exercises are widely used by a variety of health and fitness practitioners – both for general strength and conditioning and rehabilitation or injury prevention.
Resistance band exercises are ideal for home exercise programs and can easily be incorporated into a circuit training format helping to condition cardiovascular system as well as strengthening specific muscle groups. Because resistance tubing is so compact and lightweight, it can be used while away from home.
Arthritis is a health problem which affects approximately 42.7 million Americans (CDC 1999). It is projected that 60 million people will be impeded by arthritis by the year 2020 (CDC 1999). Commonly characterized by stiffness, pain, and loss of joint function, arthritis may imperil the physical, psychological, social and economic well-being of individuals, depriving them of their freedom and independence (CDC 1999). Unfortunately, exercise program adherence for many arthritic clients often takes a back seat to rest and inactivity, due to the complications associated with this disorder. Physicians now do commonly prescribe exercise as a modality for treatment of arthritis. However, there is a great deal of confusion pertaining to the appropriate type and dose of suitable exercise. This article presents a review of the pathophysiology of arthritis, benefits of exercise to arthritis sufferers, and exercise prescription suggestions for the personal trainer and fitness professional. With a better understanding of the health issues and manageable exercise options associated with arthritis, the personal trainer will be more equipped to improve the health, functional capacity, well-being and quality of life of afflicted clients.
Resistance training for knee arthritis
A new Australian report has emphasised the ability of resistance training to increase muscle strength and improve physical function in individuals with knee osteoarthritis, while also decreasing pain.
Previously conducted trials into resistance training and knee osteoarthritis were analysed by a team of researchers led by the University of Sydney. The various trials utilised isometric exercise and equipment including resistance machines, free weights and resistance bands. In the majority of studies, resistance training was found to improve symptoms, physical function and strength.
Over 50 per cent of the studies also showed a decrease in self-reported pain, and in almost 80 per cent of cases self-reported mobility improved following resistance training. Increasing levels of resistance training were also mirrored by an increase in overall activity levels.
For Knee Arthritis, Try Resistance Training
Now that it’s clear that glucosamine and chondroitin do squat for arthritic knees, it’s time to try something else. But what? A new study conducted at the University of Sydney suggests that resistance training may be just the thing. The Washington Post reports that researchers at the school analyzed previously conducted trials on knee osteoarthritis and resistance training — which included resistance machines, free weights, isometric exercise and other devices such as elastic bands. The majority of these studies, they found, reported that symptoms, physical function and strength were improved with resistance training. According to the Posts, more than half of the studies reported a decrease in self-reported pain, and 79 percent found self-reported mobility improved following resistance training. Progressive resistance training was also tied to an overall increase in physical activity levels.