title: Thera-band(®) elastic band tension: reference values for physical activity.
abstract: [Purpose] The aim of this technical note was to report significant differences in the tension forces of the different-sized Thera-band(®) elastic bands (Hygenic Corp.) determined by us versus the manufacturer. [Subjects] Two trained observers performed all measurements. [Methods] The tension force (kilogram-force units) of eight color-coded elastic bands (tan, yellow, red, green, blue, black, silver, and gold) with different resistance levels was measured at 10 different percentages of elongation (25% to 250% with 25% increments) using an electronic elongation gauge tensiometer. [Results] There were significant differences in the tension force of the elastic bands of different colors when compared in pairs (excepting the tan/yellow pair) at 100% and 200% elongation, as determined via one-way analysis of variance. There were no differences in the slopes for the tan versus yellow and green versus blue bands, as determined via linear regression analysis and one-way analysis of variance. Comparison of the tension force values obtained in our study with the reference values of the manufacturer (the t-test applied to the slopes) showed significant differences for five colors (yellow, green, blue, silver, and gold). [Conclusion] Our results indicate that the tension force values for Thera-Band elastic bands provided by the manufacturer are overestimates.
authors.affiliation: Department of Adapted Physical Activity, School of Physical Education, University of Campinas, Brazil; Department of Human Health Sciences, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Japan.
authors.forename: Marco Carlos
authors.initials: MC
authors.lastname: Uchida
authors.affiliation: Graduate School of Human and Environmental Studies, Kyoto University, Japan; Department of Human Health Sciences, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Japan.
authors.forename: Márcio Makoto
authors.initials: MM
authors.lastname: Nishida
authors.affiliation: Department of Adapted Physical Activity, School of Physical Education, University of Campinas, Brazil.
authors.forename: Ricardo Aurélio Carvalho
authors.initials: RA
authors.lastname: Sampaio
authors.affiliation: Graduate School of Human and Environmental Studies, Kyoto University, Japan.
authors.forename: Toshio
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Moritani
authors.affiliation: Department of Human Health Sciences, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Japan; National Center for Geriatrics and Gerontology, Japan.
authors.forename: Hidenori
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Arai
keywords: Elastic band; Load monitoring; Physical exercise