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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

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Tags: Abdominal Belts, Biomech, Biomechanics, Conclusions, Dr Mel Siff, Erector Spinae Muscles, Inspiration, Lumbar Spine, Muscle Activation, Muscle Activity, Stiffness, Supertraining, Tolerance, Trunk Muscles, Valsalva Maneuver, Valsalva Maneuvers, Weight Belts