Back Belts – Do They Do Anything?

2012 is an Olympic year and yet again you’ll see clinically obese, scarlet-faced men in lycra lifting enormous weights.

While there are few things more useful (or entertaining) in life than being able to lift a small car, is it all due to the use of the back belts these people wear?

In a word: No.  There appears to be very minimal evidence for the use of such belts in any context.  In fact evidence has shown it may even put the user at risk to a more severe back injury!  So why do they continue to be used?

Belts are proven to increase Intra-abdominal pressure, which in turn creates more activity in the stability muscles.  However, it has been found that this increased muscular activity increases the compressive load on the spine rather than reduces it³.  So instead of making things easier it may be making things harder!

Extreme weight-lifting usage suggests they prevent buckling and give the lifter a perception of increased lifting ability.  The prescription of them for all manual-lifting workers isn’t warranted according to several studies^1,2.  Also the cost of injury tends to be higher in the worker who wears a belt versus the worker who does not.

One thing often neglected is also the fact blood pressure and heart rate has been found to increase during usage of such belts⁴.  Hence anyone with cardiovascular system issues is at greater risk of stroke if using the belt with lifting.

However, if ever a worker is cardio vascularly fit to use a back belt, it should be a temporary support.  Focus should be on proper work-specific ergonomics being assessed and trained.  In the period of use close monitoring is required as risk of injury is increased in this period.

In sporting applications if you want to lift a few more pounds then wear a belt.  But, if you want a stable spine, stick with good technique with no belt and you’ll be far safer.

1. Mitchell, L.V., Lawler, F.H., Bowen, D., Mote, W., Asundi, P., and Purswell, J. (1994) Effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of employer-issued back belts in areas of high risk for back injury. J. Occup. Med., 36 (1): 90-94.
2. Wassell, J.T., Gardner, L.I., Landsittel, D.P., Johnston, J.J., and Johnston, J.M. (2000) A prospective study of back belts for prevention of back pain and injury. J. Am. Med. Assn., 284 (21): 2727-2734.
3. McGill, S.M., and Norman, R.W. (1987) Reassessment of the role of intra-abdominal pressure in spinal compression. Ergonomics, 30 (11): 1565-1588.
4. Hunter, G.R., McGuirk, J., Mitrano, N., Pearman, P., Thomas, B., and Arrington, R. (1989) The effects of a weight training belt on blood pressure during exercise. J. Appl. Sport Sci. Res., 3 (1):13-18.