Other research suggests belts and splints useful
Other research suggests belts and splints useful
The debate over the effectiveness of back belts and wrist splints is fueled by research backing the usefulness of the devices, including placing proper abdominal pressure and reducing pressure on the lumbar spine.
Evidence in favor of back belts and wrist splints include:
* British researchers examined the effect of a standard weight-lifter's belt on spinal shrinkage while performing weight-lifting activities.1 Spinal shrinkage is used as an indicator of intravertebral disc compression. They found that the difference in spinal shrinkage was not significant with or without the belt, but two of eight subjects reported much more discomfort and pain when not using the belt.
* In a study that compared the effects of different types of belts, researchers determined that supports limit movement, alter intra-abdominal pressure, modify muscle action, and warm the muscle tissue.2 The belts reduce the tension required in the posterior spinal muscles and reduce muscle activity considerably through strategic stiffening, thereby reducing lateral movement.
* Construction workers in a 1992 study increased trunk flexor strength after two months of regularly using either soft back belts or weight-lifter-style leather belts.3 Trunk extensor endurance was significantly decreased in the weight-lifting belt group but not for those wearing the soft belt. The workers reported that the belts helped them use a more correct lifting posture, especially using their legs more.
* Studies have suggested that back belts can increase the intra-abdominal pressure and reduce the compressive forces around the lumbar spine, in addition to serving as a reminder to lift properly.1-6
* A study of the causes of carpal tunnel syndrome involved 36 female workers who performed production sewing tasks on commercial sewing machines, half of whom had previously suffered carpal tunnel syndrome.7 Researchers studied the hand movement and work methods used. They found that even when the job tasks were the same, the injured women used significantly more pinch instead of opposed grasping movements, more pinch force, more hand muscle effort, and an exten-ded wrist position.
The wrist extension, especially when combined with hand-muscle force, causes the median nerve within the carpal tunnel to be stretched tightly. The researchers advise employers to redesign workplaces, train workers to use a closed-fist grasp instead of finger pinch movement, and to consider use of wrist splints to keep movement to a minimum.
References
1. Bourne ND, Reilly T. Effect of weightlifting belt on spinal shrinkage. Brit J Sports Med 1991; 25(4):209-212.
2. Grew ND, Deane G. The physical effect of lumbar spinal supports. Prosthetics and Orthotics International 1982; 6:79-82.
3. Homstrom E, Moritz U. Effects of lumbar belts on trunk muscle strength and endurance: A follow-up study of construction workers. J Spinal Disorders 1992; 5:260-266.
4. Harman EA, Rosenstein RM, Frykman PN, et al. Effects of a belt on intra-abdominal pressure during weight lifting. In: Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise. Orlando, FL: Grune & Stratton; 1989, pp. 186-190.
5. Kumar S, Godfrey CM. Spinal braces and abdominal supports. In: Karwowski W, ed. Trends in Ergonomics/ Human Factors III. New York: Elsevier Science Publishing; 1986, pp. 717-726.
6. Lander JE, Simonton RL, Giacobbe JKF. The effectiveness of weight belts during the squat exercise. In: Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise. Orlando, FL: Grune & Stratton; 1990, pp. 117-124.
7. Armstrong T, Chaffin D. Carpal tunnel syndrome and selected personal attributes. J Occ Med 1979; 21:481-496. *
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