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

Background: There are various tools and methods used for strength exercise. Elastic bands, one of the resistance exercise tools, have been used for various purposes, including muscle strengthening; however, there is very little evi-dence supporting their efficacy. The study was performed to investigate the effect of knee-ankle elastic bands on knee muscle strength-related parameters according to sex in healthy adults. Material/Methods: This was a cross-sectional study. Twenty-one participants (11 female and 10 male) were studied using a cross-over design. Isokinetic concentric knee extension and flexion strength was measured at 60 degrees/s and 180 degrees/s with and without application of a therapeutic elastic band in the shape of an "8", with knee flexion and ankle dor-siflexion. The variables related to muscle power automatically calculated in the protocol of the isokinetic sys-tem were compared according to sex and angular velocity. Results: Peak moment (PM), PM/body weight, average power, total work, and the agonist/antagonist ratio, demonstrat-ed significant improvement (P<0.05) at both 60 degrees/s and 180 degrees/s "with" compared to "without" the elastic band according to sex. Conclusions: The use of therapeutic elastic bands in the shape of a figure 8 with knee flexion and ankle dorsiflexion may be used as assistive devices for improving strength in muscles supporting the knee. Further high-quality stud-ies are needed to assess the potential of elastic bands as assistive devices and not merely as exercise tools. Therapeutic elastic bands in the shape of an "8" with knee flexion and ankle dorsiflexion may be useful in sports activities.