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ACCUPRESSURE® back support

48030 (Black) Patent Pending

University research led to a new level of understanding of how lower backs function. With this research, Accupressure back supports were developed, bringing a unique technological solution to market and a new level of lower back protection to working people.
• Proprietary acupressure-effect pad made with composite lightweight materials works biomechanically to reduce the over-reaction of the back muscles during an unexpected loading event
• High density woven elastic cinch straps give superior performance consistent over long-term use
• Triple Lock cinch strap feature
• Variable number of spring steel orthopedic boning stays according to support size
• Quick-release shoulder straps provide flexibility and safety for wearers

From the Biomedical Engineering and Occupational & Environmental Health Departments at The University of Iowa, 2003.

"Our research ... evaluating the mechanical role of lumbar supports strongly suggests that lumbar supports produce a calming effect on the lumbar musculature's response to sudden loads applied at the hands or chest. As such, lumbar supports can act as a barrier, reducing the body's tendency to over-react to an applied sudden load."1

Based on this research, The Spine Research Center at The University of Iowa worked with Chase Ergonomics, Inc. on the development of the Accupressure Back Support.
Sudden loads on the spine occur during an unplanned for accidental) event, and cause back muscles to overreact to a surprise by expending mean muscle forces which are on average 70% greater than the forces expended during a planned or expected loading of the spine. Anyone who has stepped off a curb that is higher or lower than expected has experienced sudden spinal loading, and won't be surprised to leam that excess back muscle contraction is the first incident triggering approximately 30% of all lower back injuries.
Testing has proven that the Accupressure, with its unique "pressure bumps" concentrated over targeted areas, creates the calming effect described in the above study. In tests at the Spine Research Center, Accupressure reduced the over-contraction of back muscles by up to 39% in men and 46% in women. Significant reduction of back muscle fatigue over a work cycle was also recorded.

1 Use of lumbar supports allows for a hierarchy of controls in combating back injuries", David G. Wilder, PhD, PE, CPE. Associate Professor, Biomedical Engineering Department, College of Engineering, Occupational & Environmental Health Department, College of Public Health, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, 2003.
Accupressure Sizes
X Small 23" - 27"
Small 28" - 32"
Medium 33" - 37"
Large 38" - 44"
X Large 45" - 51"
XX Large 52" - 56"
XXX Large 57" - 62"
Sizes differ from other supports in order to place the pad correctly on the hips. Measure around hips just below the navel.

LUMBAR LOCK®
45030 (Black), 45080 (PowerBright®)
• High density woven elastic cinch and shoulder straps
• Golden Grip one-way Velcro® closures give positive lock, extend product life by reducing wear
• Primary belt width increases with size
• Triple-locking cinch strap provides extra support for planned lifts
• Consistent, long term performance

LOW PROFILE
46030 (Black), 46080 (PowerBright)
• High density woven elastic cinch straps
• Golden Grip one-way Velcro closures extend product life
• Exclusive, durable, easy-grip leather cinch pulls
• Primary belt width - 8"
• Excellent durability

INDUSTRIAL
46430 (Black), 46480 (PowerBright)
• Industrial knit elastic cinch and shoulder straps
• Molded HTH Velcro closures for superior performance
• Primary belt width - 8'"
• Shoulder strap guides adjust for best fit
• Triple Lock cinch feature

HIPHUGGER®
45330 (Black), 45380 (PowerBright)
• Patented adjustable Velcro sizing feature accommodates hip-to-waist variance lor custom fit
• High-rise cut allows for comfortable use while seated
• High density woven elastic cinch and shoulder straps
• Front shoulder strap placement adjustable with Velcro tubs
• Rugged, highly customizable support

CADET®
46530 (Black).
(PowerBright)
• High-rise cut in front for added comfort while seated
• Knit elastic cinch and shoulder straps
• 4 - 6 spring steel orthopedic boning stays
• Ideal for high turnover positions, light industrial activities

POWERBRIGHT® ORANGE OPTION
• Available on Lumbar Lock, Low Profile, HipHugger, Industrial, Featherweight and Cadet back support models
• Reflective options also available
• Perfect for situations where traffic is a potential hazard
• High-vis orange primary panel, binding, cinch and shoulder straps

ALL ELASTIC
44030 (Black)
• Knit elastic primary panel, cinch and shoulder straps
• Removable shoulder straps with Velcro attachments
• Primary belt width - 9"
• Ideal for those who prefer heavier, more rigid feel

VENTED KNIT ELASTIC
44130 (Black)
• Unique knit pattern allows air flow, yet provides firm support
• Knit elastic primary belt and cinch straps
• Primary belt width - 9"
• Removable shoulder straps with Velcro attachments

FEATHERWEIGHT
47037 (Black), 47087 (PowerBright Orange)
• Open weave materials provide ventilation, light weight (8oz.)
• Broad size range - two sizes fit all
• Front shoulder strap placement adjustable with Velcro tabs
• Great for outdoor work in hot, humid climates

UNISIZE
410967BL (Black)
• One size fits most (XS-XXL)
• 9" width in back
• 6 spring steel orthopedic boning stays
• Adjustable/detachable shoulder straps

WHY CHOOSE TO WEAR AN ELASTIC BACK SUPPORT

Extensive peer-reviewed research - scientific and epidemiological - and powerful anecdotal evidence have shown that elastic back supports have an important place in a work related back safety program.
IMPORTANT FEATURES TO LOOK FOR WHEN SELECTING A FLEXIBLE LUMBAR SUPPORT
Primary belt should:
• hold the orthopedic boning stays in the correct position on the lower back
• be of strong, breathable, open weave fabric for comfort
• stretch in all directions, return to its original size
• have two-way stretch binding on the edges
• fasten with a generous Velcro® closure
• increase in width in proportion to size.
Boning stays should:
• be of orthopedic-grade spring steel with dielectric coating
• flank the spinal column, not lie over it
• be almost the same length as the primary belt width
• increase in number as size of support increases
Cinch strap should:
• be of woven elastic in a preferred double V-shaped strap
• cover at least 90% of stay length to shape stays to body
Shoulder straps help:
• keep the support handy during breaks or non-lifting periods
• compliance—easy to tell if a required support is being worn
• adjust tension to a slightly stretched mode to prevent "blousing" when bending Shoulder straps are not suspender's and should not be adjusted so tightly that they pull the support up and out of position

Other options available on most back supports include:

Golden Grip one-directional hook and loop closure on cinch and primary panels
Fluorescent orange knit elastic shoulder straps and cinch straps
3M reflective strips on fluorescent shoulder straps and cinch straps
Reflexite® strips on fluorescent yellow cinch straps
Removable and detachable shoulder straps
Triple lock feature

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