Training Belt Tightness, Perceptual Responses, And Performance Measures During Explosive Resistance Exercise

BACKGROUND: Training belts (TBs) are commonly used by competitive and recreational lifters during heavy-load resistance exercise for support. While TBs have been reported to increase intra-abdominal pressure and spine stabilization, it is unclear if differing belt tightness influences performance and perceptual measures during resistance exercise. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of TB tightness on perceptual and performance measures during dead-lift exercise. METHODS: Resistance-trained individuals participated in a crossover counterbalanced study design with 3 conditions: 1) No TB (control; CON), 2) Loose TB (LTB), 3) Tight training-belt (TTB). Under each condition, participants completed 3 sets of explosive deadlifts at 70% 1-RM. Barbell velocity and velocity loss were monitored for each rep using a linear position transducer. RPE, confidence, and stability were assessed after each set using a subjective feelings questionnaire. Each trial was separated by 48 hours. RESULTS: Regardless of the tightness, no differences for barbell velocity (p = 0.881), velocity loss (p = 0.452), or RPE (p = 0.850) were observed. However, TTB resulted in improved perceptions of stability (p = 0.042) and confidence (p = 0.046) compared to CON. No differences for the LTB and CON condition were observed. CONCLUSION: Neither the presence nor tightness of a TB influenced explosive lifting performance. However, wearing a TTB improved feelings of confidence and stability during lifting compared to CON suggesting that some psychological benefits may exist.