Effect of back belt on maximum displacement and center of pressure velocity in different lifting styles

ABSTRACT

Purpose: Mechanical loading is said to be an important factor in the development of low back pain [LBP]. One of the main concerns in manual material handling [MMH] tasks is lifting loads, as this activity is present in most jobs. Despite the controversy about their effectiveness, belts are used in industry as either protective or assistive devices in manual load handling. The present investigation aimed to determine whether a commonly used back belt could improve maximum center of pressure displacement [COPMD] and center of pressure velocity [COPV] as the balance parameters during each of three common styles of lifting [squat, semi-squat, stoop]