Lumbar Muscle

Abstract

Study Design. This study analyzed the effect of lumbar support belts on functional performance. Objective. To compare lumbar muscle strength and lifting with and without a lumbar belt. Summary of Background Data. Industrialized settings have begun to encourage the use of lumbar support belts for their employees, it is believed that the belts may decrease the risk of injury and enhance the functional performance of the individual. Methods. Twenty-two subjects (average age, 27.5 years) were tested on four separate days to evaluate the effect of a commercially available belt on isolated lumbar isometric strength and functional dynamic lifting capacity. All subjects had no history of low back problems. The order of testing with and without a belt was randomized for both conditions. On the first 2 days, subjects performed a seven-angle isometric lumbar extension strenth test, 1 day with and 1 day without a lumabar belt. On the following 2 days, subjects were tested to evaluate functional capacity with and without a lumbar belt. The functional capactiy evaluation was performed by progressively lifting weighted canisters from various levels. Heart rates were monitored to ensure that a maximum effort was achieved over the different days. Results. T tests revealed that isometric lumbar strength and functional lifting capacity was not significantly affected by the belt. Conclusion. The use of a lumbar belt dos not enhance isometric lumbar muscle strength or dynamic lifting capacity.