Thera-band® elastic bands Thera band® elastic bands (The Hygienic Corporation, Akron, Ohio) are versatile exercise training tools used primarily to provide graded resistance during strength training.22 They have been used in home-based resistance training for stroke rehabilitation with improvement in strength, gait speed, and functional ability.22 Combined with aerobic activity, strength training of hip flexors, extensors, and abductors improved gait speeds between 3.6-12.6 meters/minute in ambulatory stroke survivors after ten weeks of intervention.22-24 A small study (sponsored by the manufacturer of Thera band®) found using Thera band® elastic band is comparable to using resistance-training machines in activating exercised muscles, as demonstrated by electromyography (EMG).25 Community-based training with physiotherapists guiding stroke survivors in the use of Thera band® elastic bands for resistance training over 16 weeks improves balance and strength.26