Abstract
The use of back support belts by industrial workers has become common in recent years. The rationale for the use of these belts is based on the theory that they increase intra-abdominal pressure. Raised intra-abdominal pressure is believed to reduce compression forces on the spinal column and to assist the back extensor muscles in producing extension torque. The assistance of the belt is believed to protect the spine from injury. Thirty males and thirty females participated in this study which assessed the effect of two different back support belts (one synthetic and one leather) on isometric muscle-force production of individuals performing a static leg lift (SLL). A Latin Square double cross-over design was employed. Analysis of variance tests revealed that in males the use of the synthetic belt allowed for greater force production than a control trial, but no difference could be detected between the leather belt and either the synthetic belt or the control. In the female group, no difference in force production occurred across the three conditions. Implications and suggestions for further study are discussed.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Kelsey JL, Golden AL, Mundt DJ. Low back pain/prolapsed lumbar intervertebral disc.Rheum Dis Clin N Am 1990; 16: 699–716.
Kelsey JL, Githens PB, White AA,et al. An epidemiologic study of lifting and twisting on the job and risk for acute prolapsed lumbar intervertebral disc.J Orthop Res 1984; 2: 61–66.
Bigos SJ, Spengler DM, Martin NA,et al. Back injuries in industry: A retrospective study II. Injury factors.Spine 1986; 11: 246–251.
Molumphy M, Unger B, Jensen GM, Lopopolo RB. Incidence of work-related low back pain in physical therapists.Phys. Ther. 1985; 65: 482–486.
Perry GF. Occupational Medicine Forum.JOM 1992; 34: 679–680.
McGill SM, Norman RW, Sharratt MT. The effect of an abdominal belt on trunk muscle activity and intra-abdominal pressure during squat lifts.Ergonomics 1990; 33: 147–160.
Walsh NE, Schwartz RK. The influence of prophylactic orthoses on abdominal stregth and low back injury in the workplace. Am. J Phys Med Rehab 1990; 69: 245–250.
Reddell CR, Congleton JJ, Huchingson RD, Montgomery JF. An evaluation of a weightlifting belt and back injury prevention training class for airline baggage handlers.Appl Ergonom 1992; 23: 319–329.
Barron BA, Feuerstein M. Industrial back belts and low back pain: Mechanisms and outcomes.J Occup Rehab 1994; 4: 125–139.
Morris JM, Lucas DB, Bressler MS. Role of the trunk in stability of the spine.J Bone Joint Surg 1961;43-A: 327–351.
Lander JE, Simonton RL, Giacobbe JKF. The effectiveness of weight-belts during the squat exercise.Med Sci Sports Exerc 1990; 22: 117–126.
Aspden RM. Intra-abdominal pressure and its role in spinal mechanics.Clin Biomech 1987; 2: 168–174.
Gracovetsky S.The spinal engine. Wien: Springer-Verlag, 1988.
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. A Work Practice Guide for Manual Lifting, Tech. Report No.81-122, U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services (NIOSH) Cincinnati, OH, 1981.
Chaffin DB, Herrin GD, Keyserling M. Pre-employment strength testing: an updated position.J Occup Med 1978; 20: 403–408.
Cady LD, Bischoff DP, O'Connell ER,et al. Strength and fitness and subsequent injuries in firefightersJ Occup Med 1979; 21: 269–272.
Battie MC, Bigos SJ, Fisher LD, Hansson TH, Jones ME, Wortley MD. Isometric Lifting strength as a predictor of industrial back pain reports.Spine 1989; 14: 851–856.
Chaffin DB. Ergonomics guide for the assessment of human static strength.Am Ind Hyg Assoc J 1975; 36: 505–511.
Rosencrance JC Cook TM, Golden NS. A comparison of isometric strength and dynamic lifting capacity in men with work-related low back injuries.J Occup Rehabil 1991; 1: 197–205.
Mayhew TP, Rothstein JM, Finucane SDG, Lamb RLL. Performance characteristics of the Kin-Com dynamometer.Phys Ther 1994; 74: 1047–1054.
Neter J, Wasserman W, Kutner MH.Applied linear statistical models: Regression analysis of variance, and experimental designs. 3rd Ed. Homewood IL: Irwin, 1990.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Sullivan, M.S., Mayhew, T.P. The effect of lumbar support belts on isometric force production during a simulated lift. J Occup Rehab 5, 131–143 (1995). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02109954
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02109954