Design and Use of Waist Protectors for Women in Their 40s–50s : An Analysis Through In-Depth Interviews

This study aimed to analyze the design and construction features of women’s waist protectors as well as to identify their advantages and disadvantages. In-depth interviews were conducted with eight women in their 40s and 50s regarding their use of waist protectors, their purchase experiences, and the characteristics of the protectors they currently used. The interviewees, who all had conditions like herniated lumbar discs, lumbar sprains, and spinal stenosis, answered questions regarding the wearing of waist protectors during daily activities. At the purchasing stage, they had considered factors like lightness, support stays, ease of wear, pain relief, breathability, and thinness. They had all bought products that featured Velcro closures and had generally been designed with a wide back support section as well as a narrower abdominal section to reduce pressure. Furthermore, the interviewees preferred protectors that provided adequate back support without compromising their clothing’s appearance. They also generally rated the fit of their protectors positively, with those with dual elastic straps receiving high marks for strong support and a secure fit. However, most of the interviewees were not well informed about the features of their waist protectors, nor had they thoroughly analyzed the product information at the time of purchase. Therefore, this study suggests that middle-aged women with back conditions could achieve further pain relief by wearing waist protectors suited to their specific conditions and body types. Such findings could serve as a valuable reference for the future design of waist protectors.