Weightlifting Grip

Training Level

To the best of our knowledge, only one study has compared the effects of a support belt between trained and untrained populations. The results showed that both male and female participants experienced an increase in peak isometric strength of the back extensors. Regarding the rate of strength development and the time to reach peak strength, there were no significant differences in the effects of training level or gender; however, in the active control group, the time to reach peak strength showed a positive effect when using the support belt.

Gender

Both male and female participants experienced increases in 1-repetition maximum (1RM) and maximum isometric strength during the deadlift when using a lifting belt; however, in the deadlift, it appears that only men with prior resistance training experience experienced an increase in movement speed when using a lifting belt. In pull-up training to failure, the performance enhancement from using a lifting belt was greater for men than for women. This may be because physiological differences result in men having overall better athletic performance, allowing them to complete more repetitions to failure; Consequently, men's forearm muscles must endure longer periods of tension and sustained muscle contraction, making them more likely to become a performance-limiting factor and trigger neuromuscular fatigue.

Overall, regardless of training level or gender, support straps can enhance strength performance and may provide greater benefits to groups-such as men and trained individuals-who can tolerate prolonged tension. However, these preliminary findings still require more comprehensive research to confirm.