Effects of a belt on intra-abdominal pressure during weight lifting.

Intra-abdominal pressure (IAP) has been widely hypothesized to reduce potentially injurious compressive forces on spinal discs during lifting. To investigate the effects of a standard lifting belt on IAP and lifting mechanics, IAP and vertical ground reaction force (GRF) were monitored by computer using a catheter transducer and force platform while nine subjects aged 28.2 +/- 6.6 yr dead-lifted a barbell both with and without a lifting belt at 90% of maximum. Both IAP and GRF rose sharply from the time force was first exerted on the bar until shortly after it left the floor, after which GRF usually plateaued while IAP either plateaued or declined. IAP rose significantly (P less than 0.05) earlier with than without the belt. When the belt was worn, IAP rose significantly earlier than did GRF. Both with and without the belt, IAP ended its initial surge significantly earlier than did GRF. Variables significantly greater with than without a belt included peak IAP, area under the IAP vs time curve from start of initial IAP surge to lift-off, peak rate of IAP increase after the end of its initial surge, and average IAP from lift-off to life completion. In contrast, average rate of IAP increase during its initial surge was significantly lower with the belt. Correlations are presented which provide additional information about relationships among the variables. Results suggest that the use of a lifting belt increases IAP, which may reduce disc compressive force and improve lifting safety.