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.