Share:
Studies New underwear can prevent back pain
Many people in the world suffer from back pain. There are a number of products that allegedly allow a successful treatment of back pain. However, there is usually a lack of evidence for effectiveness or they are simply useless. However, researchers have now developed a new type of underwear that has been proven to help alleviate back pain.
The scientists at Vanderbilt University developed a mechanical, smart underwear that can repair back pain. This high performance underwear is even shallow enough to be worn under normal clothing. The doctors published a press release on the results of their study.
Back pain can soon be a thing of the past. (Image: blackday / fotolia.com) The treatment of back pain devours vast amounts of funds
More than half of adults suffer from back pain at some point in their lives. In the US alone, the treatment of back pain leads to more than $ 30 billion in medical costs, according to the researchers. In addition, lost productivity costs more than $ 100 billion, explains Erik Lamers, who helped design the underwear. The student suffered as a child repeatedly from back pain. The new device will be presented in the US on August 8 at the American Society of Biomechanics conference in Boulder, Colorado. Previously, it was already presented at the Congress of the International Society of Biomechanics in Brisbane, Australia.
New underwear to relieve back and protect against back pain
According to their own statements, the scientists wanted to develop a piece of clothing that somewhat resembles the suit of a superhero. The difference is that the underwear is not suitable for combating crime, but for example relieves the back when lifting small children and thus prevents back pain, says Professor Karl Zelik.
How is the new underwear built??
The new device consists of two different fabric sections made of nylon canvas, Lycra, polyester and other materials for the chest and legs. These sections are connected by sturdy straps across the middle back. The device is designed so that users only wear it when they really need it. When the underwear is put on properly, it feels like normal clothes, explain the experts. There is also the possibility to control the underwear through an app. Users can use their smartphones to wirelessly adjust the smart underwear via Bluetooth.
Underwear reduces stress on the lower back extensor muscles by 15 to 45 percent
Eight subjects tested the device to lift 25-pound and 55-pound weights, the researchers say. Then they held the weights in a position of 30, 60 and 90 degrees. With the help of motion-capture technology, so-called force plates and electromyography, the team found that the special underwear reduced the strain on the lower back extensor muscles by an average of 15 to 45 percent for each task.
In the future, the underwear could activate when heavy load is applied to the back
For example, the next goal of the research is to embed sensors in clothing and monitor stress and strain on the lower back. If the load gets too strong, the smart clothing could automatically activate, adds Zelik.
The underwear should prevent back pain
The focus of this new technology is not on the treatment of existing back pain, but on the prevention of this pain by reducing stress and fatigue of the back muscles. Aaron Yang from Vanderbilt University Medical Center.
Clothes especially useful for people with certain occupations
According to the researchers, the concepts for smart clothing could, above all, benefit people who have jobs in which they have to stand for long periods of time or burden their backs in a different way. Such people can help smart clothes to help prevent pain and muscle inflammation, adds. Yang added. (As)