Announcing a New Top Priority Auxiliary Exercise

Editor’s Note: During the past five years, Dr. Blauer Bangerter has conducted research on his new innovation: The Digit Exerciser. The following is a summary of that research completed at Brigham Young University.

I feel the Digit Exerciser which strengthens the fingers and toes in a progressive resistance system can produce significant gains heretofore not possible. More research information will be presented in our next issue.

Six master’s theses have been completed using the digit exerciser and one Ph.D. dissertation has been completed. Four of the studies provided as treatment Progressive Resistance Exercises (PRE) for toe flexor muscles, causing articulation at the metatarsal phalangeal joints. Protocol required 3 to 5 sets of 4 to 6 repetitions maximum (RM).

The frequency was 2-3 times per week. Lengths of the Dr. Blauer L. Bangerter, Ph.D. Biomechanics Professor Brigham Young University studies were from 8-12 weeks. Pre and post testing were used in all studies. Strength gains were measured by a BYU Junior Varsity Basketball team, the overhead basketcybex machine and by work load gains. Men and women, ball pass velocity was measured by means of a radar gun. This group in 3 exercise times per week for 9 weeks gained subjects. treatment groups recorded very significant strength gains (28-66%). Groups working 8 weeks showed gain trends in vertical jumping, but the 12-week groups had statistically 10.7% in velocity.

Three point range shooting accuracy increased 4%. These gains were statistically significant.

Other studies are still in process. significant vertical jump gains. One of the 12-week groups The Ph.D. study by Juoko Kokkonen has been accepted used a 40-yard dash. Electronic times were recorded at 1 by Research Quarterly for Exercise and Sport. Two of the yard, 5 yards, 20 yards, and 40 yards. Accelerations were other studies are in process for submission to Research Quarterly. intervals.

Maximum velocity was recorded for the 20-40 yard in- Thirty machines have been built and marketed. Brigham terval. The toe exercise group had statistically significant Young University has bought 9; 4 went to P.E.-Sports, 4 improvement in acceleration for 5-20 yards and in velocity went to Athletics, and 1 went to Dance. Five of them have for the last 20 yards of the 40-yard dash. gone to rehabilitatio.. programs. One of these is at Utah metacarpal phalangeal joints. Both used 3 sets of 4-6 RM 3 Valley Regional Medical Center. Three are in California, one for use in therapy school research at College of the times per week for 12 weeks.

Pacific. Four are in high schools in Utah. Several have gone Two of the studies exercised fingers, isolated at the One group used the 16-lb. shot and the 6-|b. shot in the to private individuals, such as Doug Padilla, world-class putting action. The statistically-significant increase for the 2000-meter runner, Cheryl Harper, U.S. Marathon Cup 16-lb. shot was 4% and, for the 6-Ib. shot, it was 14%.

Team member, currently (April 1987) in Korea running The other study used a 5-oz. ball and a radar gun to with the U.S. Women’s Team. measure velocity increases. They were about 1.5%, which In summary, research and experience of many indiwas not statistically significant, likely due to the fact that viduals suggest that prolonged use can help in throwing, unstrengthened fingers could cope with a weight of 5 oz. shot putting activities (from wrist and finger strength The remaining items from these studies exercised wrist gains) and in all running and jumping activities from toe strength gains. and finger flexors as a unit.

One study on a Since no other device exists to systematically exercise increased velocity 4.5%, while a similar group exercised all these body members, it is becoming useful and popular in body parts, except wrists and fingers, and increased 3.6%. rehabilitation as well as in sports and athletics.

These gains were statistically significant. The difference After studying the motor cortex area, one sees a large proportion is devoted to the function of the digital areas of the 5 oz. between the two groups was not statistically significant; however, only 24 exercise periods occurred in the 12 the body. This may be a possible explanation as to why these exercises are so helpful.

In the other study, a pilot study with men cut from the THE DIGIT EXERCISER For toes, remove shoes and place one foot on the platform. Align and the handlebars only for support), press the toes forward withor raising the heel. the foot. Standing erect (using the other leg motion — hold for 5 seconds — and release quickly. least at Rest maximum. 1 to2 minutes between the same To exercise fingers, place hand “palm-down” on the platform. Align knuckles at the base of the fingers hinge for maximum efÏciency.

Secure velcro strap snugly over the hand. Without raising the palm, press the fingers forward in a rapid, write: even motion — held for 5 seconds — and release quickly. Repeat immediately.

TO ORDER:

For wrists, place one arm on the platform with the wrist joint directly over the hinge. Secure the velcro strap snugly over the top of the arm. With the hand “palm-down” and the fingers together on the pedal, press forward in a rapid, even motion — hold for 5 seconds - and release quickly. Repeat immediately Use 5 repetitions maximum.

24 minutes between bouts on the same member BES 805 West 2400 South.

From BFS Magazine — January/February 1988. Part of the BFS Magazine Archive (1980–2014).