Authors' objectives:

To systematically review the evidence and provide recommendations for primary health care providers on the use of back belts for primary prevention of low back pain at work.

Authors' recommendations: Back injuries account for over 25% of all lost time claims in Canada, making it the largest single category for all workers' compensation claims. Low back pain is also estimated to be the most costly ailment of working age adults. Prevention programs directed at the worker, including education, exercise, pre-employment screening and the use of back belts, are by far the most common preventive strategy in industry. Potential negative effects of back belt use include rubbing, pinching or bruising of ribs, hampered sitting and driving, excessive sweating and a false sense of security. Other potential risks based on laboratory studies include cardiovascular strain, back muscle weakening and abdominal hernia. Recommendations: The CTF concludes that the existing evidence (Levels I, II-2) is conflicting and does not allow making a recommendation for or against the use of back belts to either prevent occupational low back pain or to reduce lost work time due to occupational low back pain.

Authors' methods: Systematic review

Project Status: Completed

URL for project: http://www.ctfphc.org/Full_Text/CTF_BackBelts_TR_final.pdf

Year Published: 2002

English language abstract: An English language summary is available

Publication Type: Not Assigned

Country: Canada

Organisation Name: Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care

Contact Address: Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care, 100 Collip Circle, Suite 117, London, ON, N6G 4X8, Canada. Tel: 519-858-5181; Fax: 519-858-5112

Contact Name: ctf@ctfphc.org

Contact Email: ctf@ctfphc.org

Copyright: Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care (CTFPHC)