Effectiveness of resistance exercise using elastic bands on flexibility and balance among the elderly people living in the community: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
Young Ran Yeun
PMID 28932015WHAT IT FOUND
Elastic band resistance exercise increased functional reach and one-leg standing in community-dwelling older adults, but did not improve Timed Up and Go.
It can be used for balance training, not as a tested way to prevent falls.
Key findings
01The effect size on functional reach was 1.18 (95% CI 0.48 to 1.89).
02The effect size on Timed Up and Go was −0.36 (95% CI −0.88 to 0.16).
03The effect size on one-leg standing was 2.89 (95% CI 2.55 to 3.22).
STILL TO COME
How it was doneWhat they foundWhat it means for PTs
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What it does not show
The review included non-randomised controlled trials as well as randomised trials. Some included studies combined elastic band exercise with stretch exercise or proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation, so the effect of elastic bands alone cannot be separated. The pooled analyses had high heterogeneity: I2 was 83% for functional reach and 85% for Timed Up and Go, and 64% for one-leg standing. The review did not analyse long-term effects because follow-up was not performed. Publication bias was not assessed with fail-safe numbers. The outcomes were balance and flexibility tests, not actual fall incidents.
The easy way to misread this
Do not conclude that elastic bands alone prevent falls. The review measured balance and flexibility tests, not fall incidents, and some included studies combined elastic bands with stretch exercise or proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation, so the contribution of any single component cannot be separated.