Nowadays, the use of lumbar belts is increasingly recurring during physical exercise.

According to a survey carried out by, Jornal strenght conditioning research (2003), where 327 people who do weight training were asked, 27% use lumbar straps in the gym and of that percentage, 90% use injury prevention as a means and the other 10% because they believe that the straps enhance training.

But do these straps really have a protective effect, and a training enhancer? Are they suitable for everyone?

Lumbar straps were created with the aim of partially immobilizing the lumbar spine, allowing the reduction of trunk movement. However, they do not completely eliminate or reduce the load on the column.

Recent studies suggest that using the belt in a short time helps to reduce pain and improve its function without causing loss of muscle strength.

However, long-term use may make muscle atrophy susceptible, due to inactivity and decreased function of the spine musculature. (Cholewicki J1, McGill KC, Shah KR, Lee AS., 2010)

When lifting loads, the use of the lumbar brace should always be considered, as this is an equipment that bypasses the core region, and therefore exerts a compression in the abdominal region.

This implies an increase in pressure in this region, limiting blood flow and the functioning of intra-abdominal organs. (J Electromyogr Kinesiol. 2016)

During sports practice, if the movements are being performed incorrectly there is a high probability of injury, as the entire area responsible for stabilizing the spine is immobilized and inactive.

In view of the studies and research reported, it is possible to verify that the use of these straps provides some type of protection when used in a short time and that it is not 100% recommended when practicing physical exercise. There are several approaches, which do not focus only on momentary relief, but offer a more lasting perspective when it comes to solving the problem.

A program of exercises that help to strengthen the entire area responsible for stabilizing the spine and that consequently provide protection and help to relieve low back pain, such as exercises based on the method of pilates, rpg and abdominal strengthening, are more viable and more reliable solutions.
In this way, always think twice before using a lumbar brace, look for an oriented and specialized professional, so that the solution found for your pain / limitation is the most individualized to your abilities.

Good Workout’s

Carolina Coelho