WEARING AN ABDOMINAL BELT INCREASES DIASTOLIC BLOOD-PRESSURE

The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of wearing an ab dominal belt on blood pressure (systolic and diastolic) and heart rate during a variety of tasks, The belt was typical of the elastic type w ith suspenders and Velcro(TM) tabs for cinching the belt snug, The tas ks performed included sitting at rest, sitting with the torso inclined forward at 45 degrees, standing with the torso inclined forward at 45 degrees (with and without holding an 11-kg weight), a trunk axial rot ation task, and squat lifting. Blood pressure was monitored noninvasiv ely with a FINAPRES(R) blood pressure monitor. Twenty healthy men perf ormed each task with and without the abdominal belt, Although no signi ficant increases in mean systolic blood pressure or heart rate were fo und, there was a significant increase in diastolic blood pressure in a ll conditions. All people considering wearing an abdominal belt should also consider the risks and liability associated with the additional cardiovascular load, particularly heart attack and stroke.