Lifting Belts

This journal article may be of interest to some of you.

Miyamoto K et al Effects of abdominal belts on intra-abdominal pressure, intra-muscular pressure in the erector spinae muscles and myoelectrical activities of trunk muscles. Clin Biomech 1999 Feb; 14 (2):79-87

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of abdominal belts on lifting performance, muscle activation, intraabdominal pressure and intra-muscular pressure of the erector spinae muscles.

DESIGN: Simultaneous measurement of intra-abdominal pressure, intra-muscular pressure of the erector spinae muscles was performed during the Valsalva maneuver and some isometric lift exertions.

BACKGROUND: While several hypotheses have been suggested regarding the biomechanics of belts and performance has been found to increase when lifting with belts, very little is known about the modulating effects on trunk stiffness. At present, there is no reason to believe that spine tolerance to
loads increases with belts. .....

RESULTS: Intramuscular pressure of the erector spinae muscles increased significantly by wearing the abdominal belt during Valsalva maneuvers and during maximum isometric lifting exertions, while maximum isometric lifting capacity and peak intra-abdominal pressure were not affected. Integrated EMG
of rectus abdominis increased significantly by wearing the abdominal belt during Valsalva maneuvers (after full inspiration) and during isometric leg lifting.

CONCLUSIONS: Wearing abdominal belts raises intramuscular pressure of the erector spinae muscles and appears to stiffen the trunk. Assuming that increased intramuscular pressure of the erector spinae muscles stabilizes the lumbar spine, wearing abdominal belts may contribute to the stabilization
during lifting exertions