Use Of Elastic Bands Research Articles

Permanent unilateral visual loss and orbital compartment syndrome following unilateral frontal craniotomy: illustrative case.

Vision loss following supine craniotomy is an unexpected and devastating complication for the patient and the operating team. Postoperative vision loss (POVL) is commonly associated with cardiac, spinal, neck, and prone head surgeries, as they share common risk factors, such as a prone position, intraoperative hypotension, a longer anesthesia duration, and the use of vasopressors. Herein, the authors report a case of irreversible vision loss following a frontal craniotomy in the supine position together with a review of the literature. All published cases in the literature since the first reported case in 1970 are summarized. Possible etiologies and proposed preventive measures are discussed. Different pathologies, such as vascular, intra-axial, and extra-axial lesions, are associated with POVL and have similar clinical courses and nonrecovery rates, which raises the question of whether POVL begins during the exposure part of these surgeries. Preventive measures could include avoiding direct ocular pressure during flap reflection, the use of elastic bands or fishhooks to avoid stretching the orbital contents and impairing venous outflow, and a careful review of the venous drainage of frontal tumors, which could help avoid unnecessary large venous thrombi or waxing. The role of intraoperative visual neurophysiological monitoring in predicting POVL requires further exploration. https://thejns.org/doi/10.3171/CASE2434.

Effect of Elastic Resistance on Exercise Intensity and User Satisfaction While Playing the Active Video Game BoxVR in Immersive Virtual Reality: Empirical Study.

One of the main contemporary forms of physical activity (PA) involves exercises and games in an immersive virtual reality (VR) environment, which allows the user to practice various forms of PA in a small space. Unfortunately, most of the currently available VR games and workout applications are mostly based on upper body movements, especially the arms, which do not guarantee sufficiently high exercise intensity and health benefits. Therefore, it is worth seeking solutions to help increase the exercise load during PA in VR. The main aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of elastic arm resistance in the form of latex resistance bands of different elasticity levels on the intensity of students' PA while playing the BoxVR game. We further assessed the satisfaction of this form of exercise and its associations with PA intensity. A total of 21 healthy and physically fit men (mean age 22.5, SD 2.0 years) were included in the study. The tests consisted of 3 10-minute games. One game was run with no load and the other two were run with 1.5-meter latex resistance bands (low and high resistance). The order of the tests was randomized and the participants rested for 20 minutes after each exercise. Exercise intensity was estimated using objective (heart rate monitoring) and subjective (Borg scale) methods. The Physical Activity Enjoyment Scale was used to assess satisfaction with the PA. The effect of elastic resistance on exercise intensity and user enjoyment was estimated using ANOVA for repeated measures. The ANOVA results indicated that incorporation of elastic resistance caused a significant change (F2,40=20.235, P<.001; η²p=0.503) in the intensity of PA in VR, which was low while playing without resistance and then increased to a moderate level with additional resistance. The use of elastic bands also changed participants' perceptions of the enjoyment of exercise in VR (F2,40=9.259, P<.001; η²p=0.316). The students rated their satisfaction with PA in VR on a 7-point scale highly and similarly when exercising without an upper limb load (mean 6.19, SD 0.61) and with slight elastic resistance (mean 6.17, SD 0.66), whereas their satisfaction declined significantly (mean 5.66, SD 0.94) when incorporating a higher load. The intensity of PA among students playing the BoxVR game is at a relatively low level. With the added resistance of elastic bands attached to the upper limbs, the intensity of the exercise increased to a moderate level, as recommended for obtaining health benefits. Participants rated the enjoyment of PA in VR highly. The use of slight elastic resistance did not negatively affect satisfaction with the BoxVR game, although user satisfaction declined with a higher load. Further research should be undertaken to increase the effectiveness of exercise in VR so that regular users can enjoy the health benefits.

The Use of Elastic Resistance Bands to Reduce Dynamic Knee Valgus in Squat-Based Movements: A Narrative Review.

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Misusing Elastics for Midline Diastema Closure - Disaster and Treatment Via a Case Report in Vietnam

Midline diastema has been a popular aesthetic problem for children. Several treatment options are available, however, the use of elastic bands without other appliances for closing the diastema still remains a pressing issue in Vietnam, which could be done by the patient’s parents either themselves or under the dental practitioners’ suggestion. Objective: To report a specific case about the extensive extrusion regarding upper central incisors in a pediatric patient due to misusing the elastic band, in which management was complex due to an unfavorable situation for splinting. Case Report: Single rubber band usage for orthodontic movement in closing diastema has been an unresolved disaster in Vietnam, leading to the need for early diagnosis and immediate intervention when facing the complications. Conclusion: Significant information dissemination is paramount for long-term improvement in the oral health of pediatric patients in Vietnam and around the world.

The Effects of Plyometric Training with Elastic Band on Physical Fitness and Isokinetic Function in Fencing Foil Athletes

PURPOSE: This study aimed to investigate the effects of plyometric training (PT) with elastic bands on the physical fitness and isokinetic function in fencing foil athletes.METHODS: The study participants were 16 male and female foil fencers aged 20–35 who were selected as the national team in 2019 and classified into the PT with band (PTB) group (n=8) and PT group (n=8). The participants performed PT according to their elastic band status three times a week for four weeks. Both groups participated in the measurement of physical fitness and isokinetic function factors of the knee joint after 0 and 4 weeks.RESULTS: Hand grip strength decreased significantly after 4 weeks versus 0 week in both groups (respectively, &lt;i&gt;p&lt;/i&gt;&lt;.05), and the changestep jump increased significantly after 4 weeks compared with 0 week in both groups (respectively, &lt;i&gt;p&lt;/i&gt;&lt;.05). The number of front and back steps increased more significantly after 4 weeks in the PT group than in the PTB group (&lt;i&gt;p&lt;/i&gt;&lt;.05). The right flexor strength of the knee joint increased significantly after 4 weeks compared to that at 0 week in both groups (respectively, &lt;i&gt;p&lt;/i&gt;&lt;.05).CONCLUSIONS: Regardless of the use of elastic bands, the fencing-specific PT program improved agility factor and isokinetic function of knee joint.

The Use of Elastic Bands in Velocity-Based Training Allows Greater Acute External Training Stimulus and Lower Perceived Effort Compared to Weight Plates

The objective was to compare the mean propulsive velocity (MPV), maximum power (PMAX), heart rate, and rate of perceived exertion (RPE) during the parallel squat using elastic bands (EB) or weight plates (WP) to load the bar. The effect of relative strength on the dependent variables was analysed. Additionally, the potential of the RPE to predict external load parameters was assessed. Eighteen trained volunteers squatted at 40%, 55%, 70%, and 85% of their one-repetition maximum with EB and WP (a total of eight sets) in random order. Dependent variables were measured at the first and last repetition (i.e., 10% velocity loss). Two identical sessions were conducted to assess the reliability of measurements. Compared to WP, EB allowed a significantly greater number of repetitions, MPV, and PMAX, and significantly lower RPE. The RPE of the first repetition was a significant predictor of the external load of the set. The RPE showed good repeatability and was not influenced by the relative strength of athletes. In conclusion, compared to WP, the use of EB allows for greater external load with reduced internal load responses in a wide spectrum of load-based intensities. The potential implications of these novel findings are discussed in the manuscript.

Looped Elastic Resistance during Squats: How Do Band Position and Stiffness Affect Hip Myoelectric Activity?

Looped elastic bands around the thigh are commonly used during squats and result in increased hip activation. Due to the closed kinetic chain nature of the squat exercise, one may expect that placing the elastic band on distal segments, close to the floor contact, may not result in the same increase in hip muscle activation as that achieved with a looped band around the thigh. We analyzed the effects of band position (thigh, lower leg, and forefoot) and band stiffness on the myoelectric activity of the tensor fascia latae, gluteus medius, gluteus maximus, biceps femoris, vastus medialis, and vastus lateralis during squats in 35 healthy subjects (18 men and 17 women). The greatest myoelectric activity of hip muscles was observed when the stiffest band was positioned around the forefeet with an increase in 24% for the tensor fascia latae, 83% for the gluteus medius, and 68% for the gluteus maximus compared to free (without resistance band) squatting. Contrary to previous thinking, the use of elastic bands around the forefeet during squats can elicit increased myoelectric activity of hip muscles, with a magnitude often greater than when the band is placed around the thigh segments.

Evaluation of Training with Elastic Bands on Strength and Fatigue Indicators in Paralympic Powerlifting.

Background: Variable resistance training has recently become a component of strength and conditioning programs. Objective: This randomized counterbalanced cross-over study aimed to investigate the use of elastic bands (EB) and the traditional method (TRAD) and force indicators in a training session. Methods: 12 Paralympic athletes (age: 28.60 ± 7.60 years) participated in this three-week study. In the first week, the participants were familiarized with EB and TRAD and were tested for maximal repetition (1-RM). The research occurred in weeks 2 and 3, which included the pre-post training, during which the following measures were extracted: maximum isometric force (MIF), the peak torque (PT), rate of force development (RFD), fatigue index (FI), and time to MIF (Time). The athletes performed two tests, EB and TRAD, separated by a one-week interval. Results: Significant differences were found between the pre- and post-test for 1RM (p = 0.018, η2p = 0.412), MIF (p = 0.011, η2p = 0.415), PT (p = 0.012, η2p = 0.413), and RFD (p = 0.0002, η2p = 0.761). With the use of EB, there was a difference in RFD between TRAD before and EB after (p = 0.016, η2p = 0.761). There were significant differences in the before and after for FI between TRAD and EB (p < 0.001) and for Time (p < 0.001), indicating that training with the use of elastic bands promotes overload, characterized by increased fatigue and decreased strength. Conclusions: Training with EB did not decrease 1RM, PT, MIF or RFD, however, there was an increase in fatigue and time to reach MIF when compared to the method with fixed resistance.

Does Physical Activity Have an Effect on Physical Capacities, Food Behavior and Body Composition in Hemodialysis Patients?

Purpose: Chronic kidney disease and its treatment, hemodialysis, cause many side effects and disease-related pathologies appear due to inactivity, which characterizes the dialysis population. However, literature demonstrates that physical activity is beneficial for these patients. Nevertheless, few data are available concerning our studied parameters with a resistance training program. Methodologies: We observed the effects of a 3-month intradialytic resistance training program (t0 vs t3) on body composition, food behavior and physical capacities of 23 patients; 17 patients in the physical activity group and 6 patients in the control group. The resistance training program consisted of 3 sessions per week and involved the use of elastic bands and soft balls on the lower extremities. All the measures were realized at t0 and t3. Principal results: The leg muscle mass and the Time Up and Go test were improved after the resistance training program. The other body composition parameters and physical capacity tests (2 min step test and one leg balance test) presented no significant differences. No food behavior modification was observed. No changes were observed in the control group, regardless of the parameters measured. Major conclusion: A three- month resistance training program can improve both the leg muscle mass and the associated physical capacities. Contributions to the fields: Our study provided additional knowledge about resistance physical activity during hemodialysis sessions, few studied with our measured parameters.

THE CAUSES AND PREVENTION OF INJURIES IN HANDBALL

The aim of this work is to present and analyse the handball literature on the causes of injuries, types of injuries and their anatomic locations, as well as the prevention measurements. Based on the results of the analysed studies, it can be concluded that there is a significant number of injuries, of different body parts and of different severity in top-level handball players. Overuse injuries (to certain body parts, such as the more dominant shoulder, the ankle and the knee) are considered to be most prominent. In order to prevent the injuries to the mouth and teeth, the use of mouthguard is recommended. When it comes to the prevention and rehabilitation of shoulder injuries, the research results have shown positive effects that the training aiming at the increase of the inner rotation of the glenohumeral strength, the outer rotation strength and the scapular muscles strength has along with the exercises for improving the kinetic chain and the chest flexibility. The use of elastic bands and the medicine ball has proven efficient in increasing the shoulder area strength, and the whole swing and throw movement. The ankle and the knee are the most frequently injured joints among female handball players. The results of the application of the neuromuscular training, the proprioception and the balance exercises, combined with some specific players’ activities (running, jumping and planting) show that such training process is efficient in the prevention of injuries to ankle and knee joints.

Acute Effects of Squats Using Elastic Bands on Postactivation Potentiation.

Peng, H-T, Zhan, D-W, Song, C-Y, Chen, Z-R, Gu, C-Y, Wang, I-L, and Wang, L-I. Acute effects of squats using elastic bands on postactivation potentiation. J Strength Cond Res 35(12): 3334-3340, 2021-The study aimed to investigate the acute effects of squats using elastic bands at different resistance and recovery time points on postactivation potentiation (PAP). Fifteen male collegiate physical education students volunteered to participate in the study. Subjects were assigned to 6 experimental visits, which consisted of repeated factors that were 2 resistance squats (3 repetition maximum [RM] and 5RM) with elastic bands as intervention and 3 performance tests (countermovement jumps [CMJs], 20-m sprints, and change of direction [COD]). The performance test was measured before the resistance squat (pre-test) and at 15 seconds, 4 minutes, and 8 minutes after the resistance squat (post-tests) on each visit. An AMTI force plate and a set of Optojump sensors were used to obtain ground reaction force data during the CMJs and during the 20-m sprints and COD test, respectively. Repeated-measures two-way analyses of variance were performed for the resistance squats and recovery time points for each dependent variable. The 20-m sprint and COD test times at the 4-minute recovery time point after 3RM and 5RM resistance squatting were shorter than the pre-test values (p < 0.05). The rates of force development at the 4- and 8-minute recovery time points after 5RM resistance squatting were higher than the corresponding pre-test values (p < 0.05). All test performance variables significantly decreased at the 15-second recovery time point (p < 0.05). The use of elastic bands in 3RM and 5RM resistance squatting as a warm-up activity may positively affect PAP to improve sprinting, COD ability, and jump explosiveness at the 4-minute recovery time point.

Photoelastic analysis of tension distribution in different orthodontic approaches for closing anterior open bites.

This study aims to evaluate tension distribution in the anterior region of the mandible during two orthodontic mechanical approaches to treat anterior open bite. It was an in-vitro experimental study, that analyzed 5 models of photoelastic resin, simulating a lower dental arch. The anterior teeth underwent orthodontic forces of the Blue Elgiloy® 0.016" x 0.022" (MEAW technique) and Gummetal® 0.018"x 0.022" (GEAW technique) archwires. Tension distribution was assessed on three different points in the lower dental midline and was measured using a reflection polariscope. The archwires were evaluated with and without anterior elastic bands (6 oz, 170 g) installed between lateral incisors and lower canines, as recommended for anterior open bite. The highest magnitudes of tension generated by the archwires were observed in the cervical regions of the teeth (on average 50% higher than those at the most apical point) regardless of the technique used. Comparatively, the GEAW technique showed significantly (P<0.05) lower tension values (16 MPa) than the MEAW technique using Blue Elgiloy (24 MPa). The GEAW technique showed a more favorable tension distribution pattern than the MEAW approach. The use of elastic bands improved tension distribution, regardless of the technique. The results also suggest that the use of anterior elastic bands in both techniques reduced the tensions released by the intrusive forces generated by the archwires.

A different approach to the use of elastic bands in the recovery of lower lumbar discopathy

Abstract Lower lumbar discopathies are in continuous growth among both young people and elderly. Causes that have led to an increase in the incidence of this pathology include: lack of exercise, nutrition, excessive use of computers and mobile phones, etc. The increased incidence of pathology led us to identify an attractive kinetotherapeutic treatment protocol that initially reduced the symptoms of this condition, and subsequently allowed the patients’ complete recovery. The present study was conducted on 33 patients diagnosed with lower lumbar discopathy. They received two evaluations, and between these, the patients performed a kinetic program consisting of elastic band exercises along with general neuroproprioceptive muscle relaxation techniques. The data obtained were inventoried and processed using statistical programs. The comparison of the initial and final results, as well as the data obtained from statistical processing showed an improvement of the symptomatology and the orientation of patients towards a complete recovery. Key words: lower lumbar discopathy, elastic bands, treatment protocol, statistical analysis

Effects Of Resistance, Power, And Multicomponent Training With Elastic Resistance On Strength In Older Women

The associations between strength losses in lower limbs and functional limitations are high for older adults. It is necessary to know the effects of modalities such as power training (PT) and multicomponent training (MT) on muscle strength compared to traditional resistance training (TRT) in this population. PURPOSE: To investigate the effects of 20-weeks of PT, MT, and TRT using variable resistance (elastic bands with loops) on isokinetic strength in older women (OW). METHODS: 136 sedentary OW (68.09 ± 4.78 yr) were randomized into PT (n=34), MT (n=34), TRT (n=34), and control groups (CG) (n=34). All exercise groups trained twice weekly for 20 weeks. PT performed 6 exercises, 3-4 sets of 10-12 repetitions, at a 4 rate of perceived exertion (RPE) in the first repetition and no more than 6 in the last. MT performed balance, muscular endurance (2 exercises, 3-4 sets of 15 repetitions at 7-9 RPE), aerobic, flexibility, and coordination exercises. The TRT performed 6 exercises, 3-4 sets of 6 repetitions at 7-9 RPE. Maximum strength of knee extensors (KE) and hip abductors (HA) was measured at 60°/s and 180°/s in the dominant side with an isokinetic dynamometer. Trial (2) by group (4) repeated measures ANOVA was used to determine differences regarding time and groups. RESULTS: PT group showed a significant increase in HA (+89.61%) and KE (+22.75%) muscle strength at 180°/s with significant differences (p<0.05) between MT, TRT, and CG groups for HA, and between CG for KE. TRT group showed a significant improvement in HA (+76.74) and KE (+11.29) at 60°/s with significant differences between CG in both. MT showed a significant increase in HA at 60°/s (+13-5%) and 180°/s (+29.85%), and also in KE at 60°/s (+4.62%) with significant differences between CG in HA at 180°/s and KE at 60°/s. No significant changes were observed for the CG. CONCLUSIONS: PT is the most effective training modality for increasing muscle strength output at high velocity, while TRT is more effective for improving maximal strength at low velocity, for HA and KE. MT can be an effective alternative as it induces adaptation at high velocity on HA and at low velocity on KE. The use of elastic bands with loops (CLX bands) can facilitate the application of these types of programs.

Variable, but not free-weight, resistance back squat exercise potentiates jump performance following a comprehensive task-specific warm-up.

Studies examining acute, high-speed movement performance enhancement following intense muscular contractions (frequently called "post-activation potentiation"; PAP) often impose a limited warm-up, compromizing external validity. In the present study, the effects on countermovement vertical jump (CMJ) performance of back squat exercises performed with or without elastic bands during warm-up were compared. After familiarization, fifteen active men visited the laboratory on two occasions under randomized, counterbalanced experimental squat warm-up conditions: (a) free-weight resistance (FWR) and (b) variable resistance (VR). After completing a comprehensive task-specific warm-up, three maximal CMJs were performed followed by three back squat repetitions completed at 85% of 1-RM using either FWR or VR Three CMJs were then performed 30seconds, 4minutes, 8minutes, and 12minutes later. During CMJ trials, hip, knee, and ankle joint kinematics, ground reaction force data and vastus medialis, vastus lateralis, and gluteus maximus electromyograms (EMG) were recorded simultaneously using 3D motion analysis, force platform, and EMG techniques, respectively. No change in any variable occurred after FWR (P>0.05). Significant increases (P<0.05) were detected at all time points following VR in CMJ height (5.3%-6.5%), peak power (4.4%-5.9%), rate of force development (12.9%-19.1%), peak concentric knee angular velocity (3.1%-4.1%), and mean concentric vastus lateralis EMG activity (27.5%-33.4%). The lack of effect of the free-weight conditioning contractions suggests that the comprehensive task-specific warm-up routine mitigated any further performance augmentation. However, the improved CMJ performance following the use of elastic bands is indicative that specific alterations in force-time properties of warm-up exercises may further improve performance.

Effects of Three Different Chair-Based Exercise Programs on People Older Than 80 Years.

This study aimed at comparing the effects of three chair-based exercise programs on people older than 80 years. Thirty-six participants (87.91 ± 4.70 years) were randomly allocated to an aerobic, muscular resistance, or joint mobility exercise program. The participants exercised 3 days per week during 3 months. A hand-held dynamometer, the Tinetti Gait Balance, the Barthel Index, and the Timed Up and Go Test (TUG) (assessed by means of the Wiva® science sensor) were used to evaluate the effects of the programs on the participants' strength, balance, functional independence, and functional mobility, respectively. After the intervention, it was observed that only the elastic-band program resulted in significant improvements in strength and balance. These results imply that when choosing a low-cost exercise program for very old people, the use of elastic bands stands as a far better option than pedaling on a pedal exerciser or performing mobility exercises.

USOS Y EFECTOS DE LAS BANDAS ELÁSTICAS SOBRE LAS CUALIDADES FÍSICAS. REVISIÓN

Las bandas elásticas han sido empleadas para la intervención sobre fuerza, sin embargo, Liu y Latham (2009) no se ha consolidado información sobre usos y efectos sobre otras cualidades. Se propuso documentar los usos y efectos de las bandas elásticas, como un soporte teórico para favorecer la toma de decisiones en intervenciones fisioterapéuticas. Esta investigación se desarrolló como un estudio descriptivo tipo revisión documental; se tomaron 70 artículos de bases de datos como Pubmed, Cochrane y revistas como Physical Therapy, de los cuales 42 cumplieron los criterios de inclusión. El 35% y 26% de los artículos correspondió a Ensayos clínicos aleatorizados y no aleatorizados respectivamente, un 5% correspondió a revisiones sistemáticas o metaanálisis. Aunque los elásticos son empleados principalmente para intervención sobre fuerza (40% de los usos documentados), se evidenciaron otros usos como balance, estabilidad y equilibrio con un 16%, y flexibilidad con un 15%, seguidos en menor proporción por intervención sobre postura,motricidad gruesa y fina, propiocepción, marcha, calidad de vida, y dolor. En cuanto a los efectos, los resultados más consistentes son en fuerza y en flexibilidad, con importantes resultados a favor del tratamiento (72% y 83% respectivamente). Las demás intervenciones no evidenciaron diferencias significativas a favor del tratamiento con elásticos. Está bien documentada la efectividad de las bandas elásticas sobre la fuerza muscular y la flexibilidad. Los elásticos no sonempleados como único tratamiento, lo que dificulta una atribución de efectos específica hacia las bandas. Falta investigación sobre la utilización de bandas elásticas para propiocepción, balance,equilibrio y coordinación.

Elastic Strengthening Band Grasp Solution for Individuals with Upper-Limb Amputations

After amputation of the upper limb, participation in strengthening and range of motion (ROM) exercises with use of elastic bands has been limited because of loss of grip. This technical solution utilizes a common gel liner and permits a low-cost attachment that maintains grip throughout full ROM during elbow and shoulder exercise while resisted. Additional benefits were noted including eustress on the scar and use of prosthetic componentry. Results are limited due to implementation in a single case patient. Nonetheless, the technical solution provides a means that enables grip throughout the full ROM during exercise without loss of grip with elastic bands.

An oral appliance with or without elastic bands to control mouth opening during sleep—a randomized pilot study

Oral appliances (OAs) hold the lower jaw forward to reduce obstructive sleep apneas. Some OA designs allow mouth opening, which influences the forward positioning of the lower jaw. The aim of this pilot study was to compare the efficacy of an adjustable, custom-made OA (Narval®) in its original design, which allowed mouth opening, with the same OA with elastic bands that restricted mouth opening. Consecutive patients with an apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) of ≥15 were randomized to start with an OA either with or without elastic bands in a single-blinded, crossover, pilot study. The patients underwent acclimatization and titration. After 3weeks use of each device, they had renewed sleep apnea recordings and responded to questionnaires. Washout periods took place between the tests. Ten subjects with a median AHI of 19.7 (interquartile range (IQR) 17.3 to 31.8) were included. The AHI decreased to 3.1 (IQR 1.5-14.7) (p<0.01) with the OA and to 5.1 (IQR 2.4-14.3) (p<0.01) with the OA with elastic bands, with no difference between them (p=0.7). The two subjects with severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) almost halved their supine AHI with, as compared to without, elastic bands. The majority of the patients preferred to use the elastic bands. This pilot study indicates that elastic bands markedly reduced the supine AHI in two subjects with severe sleep apnea as compared to without elastic bands. The majority of the patients preferred the use of elastic bands, although no significant difference in the AHI was observed with versus without the elastic bands in the whole sample.

External rotation elastic bands at the lower limb decrease rearfoot eversion during walking: a preliminary proof of concept.

ABSTRACTBackgroundReducing rearfoot eversion is a commonly desired effect in clinical practice to prevent or treat musculoskeletal dysfunction. Interventions that pull the lower limb into external rotation may reduce rearfoot eversion.ObjectiveThis study investigated whether the use of external rotation elastic bands, of different levels of stiffness, will decrease rearfoot eversion during walking. We hypothesized that the use of elastic bands would decrease rearfoot eversion and that the greater the band stiffness, the greater the eversion reduction.MethodSeventeen healthy participants underwent three-dimensional kinematic analysis of the rearfoot and shank. The participants walked on a treadmill with and without high- and low-stiffness bands. Frontal-plane kinematics of the rearfoot-shank joint complex was obtained during the stance phase of walking. Repeated-measures ANOVAs were used to compare discrete variables that described rearfoot eversion-inversion: mean eversion-inversion; eversion peak; and eversion-inversion range of motion.ResultsThe low-stiffness and high-stiffness bands significantly decreased eversion and increased mean eversion-inversion (p≤0.037) and eversion peak (p≤0.006) compared with the control condition. Both bands also decreased eversion-inversion range of motion (p≤0.047) compared with control by reducing eversion. The high-stiffness band condition was not significantly different from the low-stiffness band condition for any variables (p≥0.479).ConclusionThe results indicated that the external rotation bands decreased rearfoot eversion during walking. This constitutes preliminary experimental evidence suggesting that increasing external rotation moments at the lower limb may reduce rearfoot eversion, which needs further testing.